AbdurRahman.org

Every Innovation is a Misguidance : Shaykh al-Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014October 5, 2015

Source: Al-Asaalah, Issue #21
Translator: isma’eel alarcon

One thing the Muslim scholars do not differ about at all is the fact that Islaam is established upon two magnificent and great fundamental principles. Indeed they are

1) worshipping only Allaah apart from others and
2) following and taking our example from only the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) apart from others.

However, what I want to discuss here only concerns the principle that states: A Muslim’s Eemaan does not become complete until he believes that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) is the Messenger of Allaah. And that if any person on the face of this earth were to bear witness to Allaah’s Oneness according to the three categories (of Tawheed), then he will not be a believer until he adds to that his belief that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) is His slave and messenger. So if it is this way, then it is required for every Muslim to learn the meaning of this beautiful statement (of Tawheed): “So know that Laa Ilaaha Illaa Allaah (there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah)” [Surah Muhammad: 19] and to acknowledge the true sense of its meaning in two parts. First, to believe in it and second, to put it into actuality in himself, his worship and his belief in Allaah.

Likewise, it is an obligation upon every Muslim to know the meaning of “And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.” This testimony (of bearing witness that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) is Allaah’s slave and messenger) completes the first testimony (of bearing witness that there is no deity that has the right to be worshipped except Allaah). So due to this, the testimony (of Faith) does not become complete unless the Muslim believes in this (second) testimony – understanding, believing and accepting it firstly, and then applying it in the affairs of his life secondly. So our saying: “And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger” requires, among other things, that we believe that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) conveyed the message and that he carried out his task in its complete and perfect form, such that no one that comes after him, however high or elevated he may be, can correct or amend some part of it. Our Lord, may He be Glorified and Exalted, indicated this fact in his saying: “This day I have completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favor upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.” [Surat-ul-Maa’idah: 3]

This is why it is authentically reported on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) from numerous paths of narration that he said: “I have not left anything that will bring you closer to Allaah and distance you from the Hellfire, except that I have commanded you with it. And I have not left anything that will bring you closer to the Hellfire and distance you from Allaah except that I have forbade you from it.” So there has not been left any room for amending anything from it, whether it be a simple or a trivial thing being amended.

This is why it is reported on the Imaam of Daar-ul-Hijrah (Madeenah), Imaam Maalik Ibn Anas, may Allaah have mercy on him, that he said: “Whosoever introduces into Islaam an innovation, which he deems is good, then he has claimed that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) has betrayed (the trust of conveying) the Message. Read the saying of Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic: ‘This day I have completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favor upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.’ [Surat-ul-Maa’idah:3] So whatever was not (part of) the Religion on that day, is not (part of) the Religion on this day. And the last part of this ummah (nation) will not be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part.”

This was from the understanding of Imaam Maalik, the Imaam of Daar-ul-Hijrah, such that he plainly stated in a clear Arabic language that whoever introduces into Islaam just one innovation and then claims that it is something good, he has in fact claimed that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) betrayed the Message. And whoever makes this claim, he does not believe (truly) that “Muhammad is His slave and messenger.” As is very clear in the words of this noble Imaam, it (the innovation) is “not (part of) the Religion on this day.”

So it is upon the Muslim to implement his Ittibaa’ (following of the Prophet), such that he could be truthful in (his declaration that) Muhammad, Allaah’s Messenger, is His slave and messenger. And that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) brought the complete and pure message, without adding to it or subtracting from it. If this is the case, then every Muslim must acknowledge his extent and stop at the points where his Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) has placed limits for him, such as the acts of worship and deeds of obedience (to Allaah). This is because the pen has dried with what was revealed previously (i.e. no more revelation after Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). And there was no room left open to approve of an act of worship that didn’t exist previously in the first days (i.e. of the Prophet). Consequently, our pious predecessors (Salaf As-Saalih) have come and gone all acknowledging the extent of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) in that he first fulfilled his mission and conveyed the Message, as you know. And (second) that he was the best worshipper amongst Allaah’s worshippers and the most fearing of Allaah. So there is no room to correct him:

1. From the standpoint of legislating (revealed matters) into the Religion, as you have heard the ayah and Imaam Maailk’s comments about it.

2. Such that it can be claimed that there is someone who is a better worshipper and more worshipping (of Allaah) than Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). This is impossible.

So whoever understands these two facts, which are related to one’s belief that Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) is Allaah’s slave and messenger, he will limit the worship he performs for Allaah to only that which has been reported on the Prophet (in the ahaadeeth). And he will not put any example or role model before him other than the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). Nor will he ever claim this second point, meaning it is impossible that it can get into the mind of any believer that he is more dutiful to Allaah or more fearing of Allaah or more worshipping of Allaah than him (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). This is something impossible.

We will mention what has been reported in the two Saheeh collections on the authority of Anas Ibn Maalik (raa) that a group of people went to see the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) but asked his wives because they were not able to find him. So they asked his wives about the Prophet’s worship – about his standing in prayer at night, his fasting during the day and about his relations with his wives. So they mentioned to them what they knew about his guidance regarding that – and his guidance is the best guidance on the face of this earth as is stated in the khutbah al-Haajah: “And the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad.” The wives of the Prophet mentioned to these men that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would fast and break his fast, and that he would pray at night and also sleep and that he would marry women.

Anas (raa) said: “When they heard that from the wives of the Prophet, they found his (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) worship to be little.” They thought it to be little because of what had settled in their minds that the Prophet must pray the whole night and that he must fast all the time and that he was a monk and did not go near his wives. So they were shocked to find something that was not in compliance with their notions. So they assumed that the reason for this was because Allaah had forgiven all of the Prophet’s past and future sins. So it is as if they said: “The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) only minimized in his worship – which they thought to be little – because Allaah had forgiven his sins.

So there wasn’t left any obstacle preventing him from increasing in the worship of his Lord.” This was a mistake on their part without a doubt. This is since they didn’t know that this worship which they thought to be little, was in fact worship that could not be fulfilled by even the best worshipper amongst mankind, not even Dawood (as) about whom it is authentically reported in Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Dawood was the best worshipper amongst mankind.” This group of people did not know that the Prophet was the best worshipper amongst mankind with this worship (of his) and that not even the best worshipper amongst mankind was able to perform his worship, as I have mentioned.

And that was from the things that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) was asked about when some people – who were well aware of his habits not like that group of people that was ignorant of his habits – found him, and they felt compassion for him (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam), because they saw him standing in prayer until his feet had become swollen. So they said to him: “O Messenger of Allaah! Allaah has forgiven your past and future sins.” They meant by this: “Have pity on yourself, O Messenger of Allaah! Be easy in the worship, for your feet have become swollen.” And his response was: “Should I not then be a grateful servant?”

This is a refutation of the false reasoning employed by that small band of people, who said the reason for the Prophet’s little worship was because Allaah had forgiven his past and future sins. They were not aware that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would stand in night prayer until his feet would become swollen. So when it was said to him: “O Messenger of Allaah! Allaah has forgiven your past and future sins”, he responded: “Should I not then be a grateful servant?”

Basing on what they imagined was little worship on the part of the Prophet and what they knew of Allaah having forgiven his past and future sins, each person in this small group assumed that they were obligated to exceed in worship and that they must surpass what they heard about the Prophet’s worship with regard to his fasting, praying at night and relations with women. So they made the following pledges to themselves: The first person said “I will pray all night and won’t sleep.” The second one said: “As for me, I will fast all the time and never go a day without fasting.” And the third person said: “I will not marry women.”

Why? Because they assumed that marriage was a distraction and turned one away from perfecting one’s worship to Allaah. But they did not know – and Allaah knows best but it seem to me that they were new (reverts) to Islaam who did not learn yet of the Commands and Rulings of Islaam – that marriage was itself worship, as is found in the famous hadeeth, when a group of poor people came to the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and said:

“The people with much wealth and income have surpassed us – they pray like we pray, they fast like we fast, and they make Hajj like we make Hajj. And they give money in charity but we don’t give away anything in charity!” So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said to them: “Shall I not direct you to something, which if you do, you will surpass those in front of you and those behind you will never be able catch up to you (in reward), except for those who do the same as you?” So the representative of the poor people went back to his companions among the poor folk and related to them the good news that came from the Prophet. So they became very happy at hearing it. However, it was not long before their representative went to Allaah’s Messenger again to tell him: “O Messenger of Allaah! What you told us was conveyed to the rich folk and so they have begun to do what we are doing.” So Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “That is the bounty of Allaah, which He gives to whom He pleases.”

This is the narration of Imaam Muslim found in his Saheeh. In another narration of the hadeeth, it is reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said to them: “Verily in every tasbeehah (saying SubhanAllaah) there is charity for you. And in every tahmeedah (saying Al-Hamdulillaah) there is charity. And in every takbeerah (saying Allaahu Akbar) there is charity. And in every tahleelah (saying Bismillaah) there is charity. Commanding good is charity and forbidding evil is charity. And removing a harmful obstacle from the road is charity.” Then the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) continued to mention many noble characteristics. Then he said at the end of the hadeeth: “And in your having relations with your wife, there is charity.” They said in amazement: “O Messenger of Allaah, will one of us fulfill his desire (with his wife) and get rewarded for that?” So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Don’t you see that if one fulfills it in a forbidden way, that he will have a burden (of sin) for it?” They said: “Of course, O Messenger of Allaah.” So he said: “Then likewise, if he fulfills it in a lawful way he will be rewarded for it.”

So they were not aware of the likes of this hadeeth and other hadeeths in which there is found an incitement to get married and especially in producing children and progeny, as is reported in the authentic hadeeth: “Marry the fertile and loving woman, for indeed I will compete with other nations by you, as regards to who has the most followers, on the Day of Judgement.” So the one who marries and keeps himself chaste and keeps his wife chaste, he will be rewarded for that. This group was ignorant about this, so there was one among them who made a pledge binding on himself that he would not marry, saying: “As for me, I will not marry women.” Then that group left and when the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) returned home, his wives informed him of what they heard from that group of people and the pledges they made to themselves. So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) gave a khutbah about this in his masjid, saying: “What’s wrong with these people who say such and such” (?) – repeating to the audience what these individuals who came to his house had said. “This last person will not marry women. The second said he would fast everyday and not go a day without fasting. And the other one said that he will pray all night and not sleep.”

However it was from the Prophet’s etiquettes when admonishing, reprimanding and teaching the people that he would hide the faults of those who committed errors or sinned (by not mentioning their names). So he would not expose them but rather make such statements like the one you just read above: “What’s wrong with these people who say such and such?” This is because there is no benefit in mentioning the (name of the) person who erred, unless his error involves a large group of people and he is present (for the reminder). But if the people leave and he leaves, the opportunity for reminding them goes away. So in this situation, one must mention that to the people publicly. And it is not like that which is thought by some people who know about wisdom and gentleness when commanding good and forbidding evil, for they do not realize that gentleness does not nullify manifesting the criticism of one who errs if his error involves a group of people. The stories of our Salaf (predecessors), all praise be to Allaah, are filled with reports bearing witness to this fact. It is sufficient for me to just mention what the two Shaikhs (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) reported in their Saheehs from the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Umar who said:

“‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, rady Allaahu ‘anhu, was giving the Friday khutbah – naturally in the Prophet’s masjid – when a man from the Companions of Allaah’s Messenger entered – and in one narration it states that it was ‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan. So ‘Umar stopped his khutbah and turned towards this person that had come late and had missed coming early to hear the dhikr and to hear the Jumu’ah khutah. So the man responded, saying: ‘O Commander of the Believers, I did not do anything except hear the Adhaan, make wudoo and then come to the masjid.’ So he said to him reprimanding him in a disapproving interrogating manner: ‘The wudoo also, for I heard Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) say: Whoever goes to (pray) Jumu’ah, then he should take ghusl (bath).'”

The point we derive from this report is that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) reprimanded ‘Uthmaan Ibn ‘Affaan publicly in front of a large gathering of witnesses because he came late to the Jumu’ah khutbah and prayer. So therefore: The principle of teaching and reminding someone is based on the foundation of: Hiding the faults of people, unless there is a benefit that requires that it be done in public. This is the principle that the Messenger of Allaah implemented when he gave the khutbah regarding that group of people that had come to his house. So he said: “What is wrong with these people who say such and such” making an indication of them but not naming anyone of them.

The point is that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “As for me…”, which is a refutation of the essence of what was stated by those people who claimed the reason that the Prophet, had little worship was due to Allaah having forgiven his past and future sins. So he said: “As for me, then I am the most fearing amongst you of Allaah, and the most dutiful amongst you towards Allaah. As for me, then indeed I fast and I don’t fast” – meaning I don’t fast all the time. “And I pray at night and I also sleep” – meaning I do not stay up the whole night, as is done by those extremists amongst worshippers who increase and try to surpass the worship of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). This is why ‘Aa’ishah said, as is recorded in Saheeh Muslim: “The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) never stayed up a whole night in worship.”

So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said, reminding us that the Religion is moderation and that worhsip is moderation – neither exaggeration nor negligence: “As for me, then I am the most fearing amongst you of Allaah, and the most dutiful amongst you towards Allaah. As for me, then indeed I fast and I don’t fast. And I pray at night and I also sleep. And I marry women. So whoever turns away from my Sunnah then he is not from me.”

So the Prophet’s Sunnah, as it came to us from Islaam, is that which all the Muslims are obligated to adhere to. And I guarantee that if Dawood, who was the best worshipper amongst mankind according to the testimony of Allaah’s Messenger, came after the Prophet’s being sent with this complete and perfect Islaam, he would not be able to encompass doing all of the Prophet’s acts of worship. This means all of the acts of worship that Allaah’s Messenger brought whether through speech, actions or silent approval. Due to this, there remain no grounds for any Muslim to add an act of worship after Allaah completed His Religion by sending His Prophet with this perfect Islaam.

So after realizing that the Prophet is the best worshipper amongst mankind and the most dutiful and fearing of Allaah amongst them, there should not be anything but following of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). We are upon certainty that we will never be able to encompass the worship of Allaah’s Messenger, except for occasionally or at brief periods of time. So we are completely incapable of following and tracing the footsteps of Allaah’s Messenger in his worship. This is impossible – with respect to every individual amongst mankind after the Prophet.

Therefore, there remains nothing before us except that we all strive for two things:

1. To learn the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger in all matters that came to us from Islaam – whether in Creed or in Worship or in characteristics and manners. And as I said before, we will never be able to do more than just imitate him, as it is said:

“So imitate (them) if you are not like them,
Verily, imitating the righteous ones is success.”

It is not for us to imitate anyone amongst mankind except him, because he is the most perfect of humans according to unanimous agreement. And everyone that imitates him after he has gone will be overwhelmed by his ocean of worship.

2. This is the first thing – that we must know the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger according to the wide and extensive meaning. This is since the Prophet’s saying concerning that group of people: “So whoever turns away from my Sunnah, then he is not from me”, this sentence in this general hadeeth does not refer to the abandonment of the recommended sunnah acts, for example, that this person is not from the Prophet. This is not what is meant by the hadeeth. Rather, the meaning of the hadeeth is: “Whoever turns away from my Sunnah” meaning from my Way and from my Methodology in all affairs of my religious life. This is the kind of person that is not from him. And this kind of person varies with regard to his remoteness from following the Prophet.

So the Sunnah has two meanings:

1. A religious Arabic language-based one, and it is that which the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and those who followed his way were upon.

2. That which has occurred in the custom of the Fuqahaa in dividing the worship into two types – Fard (Obligation) and Sunnah (Recommended). The Sunnah here according to their definition of it is: “That which the one who does it will be rewarded for and which the one who abandons it will not be punished for.”

As for the person that abandons the Messenger’s Sunnah, with its first meaning – i.e. his way and methodology – then this person is in misguidance. And his deviance can either be large or little depending on his closeness or remoteness to following Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). So based on this, we should find ourselves as having no need for amending and introducing a “good innovation” (bid’ah hasanah) into Islaam, claiming that there is nothing wrong with this innovation. This is because we should find ourselves as falling short and being incapable of following the noble Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) in everything that has been reported to us concerning his worship, whether it is related to supplications, remembrances or prayers. So it is sufficient for us to just follow him, according to our abilities. Here, I would like to mention a story reported by Al-Bukhaaree in his Saheeh so that you can realize the worth of Allaah’s saying: ”This day I have completed your Religion for you, and I have perfected My favor upon you, and I am pleased with Islaam as a Religion for you.” [Surat-ul-Maa’idah: 3]

Al-Bukhaaree reported that one of the Jewish Rabbis went to ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab during the time of his Khilaafah and said to him: “O Commander of the Believers! There is an ayah in the Book of Allaah that if it had been revealed unto us – a gathering of Jews – we would have taken the day it was revealed as a day of ‘Eid (holiday).” So he asked: “Which ayah is it?” So the Rabbi mentioned the ayah: “This day I have completed your Religion for you…” So ‘Umar said: “This ayah was indeed revealed on a day of ‘Eid, on the day of Jumu’ah while the Allaah’s Messenger was in ‘Arafaat (meaning in his farewell pilgrimage). So this ayah was indeed sent down on a very great day in which there is a combination of two virtues and two ‘Eids – the ‘Eid of Jumu’ah and the ‘Eid of ‘Arafaat.”

Why did this Jew say: “Had it been revealed unto us, we would have taken the day it was revealed as a day of ‘Eid?” It is because he was aware of the greatness of this blessing, which Allaah bestowed upon His servants. But what about us Muslims today? Unfortunately, we do not give this great blessing its due weight in worth. This is why you find many people in the past – in previous generations – who have filled the Muslims with prayers, words of remembrance and supplications that the Prophet did not come with. What has come to us from the Prophet is truly sufficient and adequate, in fact it is more than our human capabilities can grasp. However, each one of us takes from this worship what he is able to and what conforms to his capability and capacity.

Concerning the Hizb-ut-Tahreer : Shaikh Muqbil bin Haadee Al-Waadi’ee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Source:Tuhfat-ul-Mujeeb ‘alaa As’ilat-il-Haadir wal-Ghareeb (pg. 141-143) [1]
Taken from al-ibaanah.com

Question: There is a group amongst us (here in the UK) called Hizb-ut-Tahreer. They call for the Islamic Khilaafah and they speak against the scholars. How can they be refuted and what is the way towards achieving the proper Islamic Khilaafah?

Answer: All praise be to Allaah and may the peace and blessings be on our prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions. I testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah – alone and with no partner. And I testufy that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. To proceed:

With regard to the issue of partisanship, people are divided into two parties: The party of Ar-Rahmaan (Allaah) and the party of ash-Shaytaan (the Devil). So the party of ar-Rahmaan – it is not permissible for them to be divided amongst themselves. Allaah, the Most High, says: “Verily those who divide their Religion and break up into sects, you have no concern with them in the least.” [Surah Al-An’aam: 159]

And the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Jews split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects. And the Christians split up into seventy-one or seventy-two sects. And my ummah will split up into seventy-three sects.” This hadeeth was reported by Abu Dawood from the narration of Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu). Abu Dawood reported a similar hadeeth from Mu’awiyah but in it there occurs: “All of them (these sects) will be in the Hellfire, except one sect.” They asked: “Who is it O Messenger of Allaah?” He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Jamaa’ah.” Then he said: “And there will indeed come a people of whom vain desires will move them just as rabies moves around the one it affects.”

And what the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) warned us of has already come to pass, for the desires have become many and the parties and groups have multiplied. And Allaah, the Lord of Glory, says in His Noble Book: “And hold on tightly to the Rope of Allaah, all of you, and be not divided.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 103]

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “You will indeed follow the ways of those who came before you, step by step, even if they were to enter the hole of a lizard you would enter into it (after them).” We said: “O Messenger of Allaah, do you mean the Jews and the Christians?” He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Who else?” And the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The beleiver with respect to another beleiver is like a building, each part supports the other.”

As for these parties, then they chase each other away and they attack one another. In fact, if one were to say: “These splitting into parties has actualized what the enemies of Islaam have desired from splitting up the ummah, dividing its ranks and weaking its strength” he would be speaking truthfully.

Therefore, (I say that) Hizb-ut-Tahreer is a hizb (party) that is wicked. Perhaps you think this is a grave statement since I am the first one to say such a thing, but it is proper that I introduce such a statement. So I say again, it is indeed a wicked party, which began in Jordan. They split away from the Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon, who wrote to them requesting them to return but they refused to go back to them. Their leader was Taqee-ud-Deen an-Nubhaanee. Concerning the matters related to Creed, they say: “Nothing should be accepted except for that which conforms to the intellect.” So if there is found some hearing (of a report), then this hearing must be eliminated. That is why they reject the Punishment in the Grave and they reject that the Dajjaal will be brought forth.

And they have no concern for teaching good etiquettes nor with spreading knowledge. So it is a party that cultivates its followers upon seekiing after and studying politics, which opposes the Religion. And it was once said to the leader of this group: “Why don’t we see any schools for the memorization of the Qur’aan in your party?” So he responded: “I do not want to produce dervishes!”

They rely on politics only, and they do not rely on knowledge and etiquettes, nor on the heart-softening narrations. And with regard to issues of Fiqh, they make it permissible for a man to shake hands with a woman that is not related to him. And they say that it is permissible for a woman to be a leader and that she can sit in a governing council (majlis ash-shuraa). In fact they even allow a disbeliever to be in the governing council and that he can be given general leadership positions! So it is a deviant group that has surpassed the extent of deviance.

And I am surprised at those who join and adhere to this party. So I advise every brother to stay far away from this group and to warn against it. And if it were not that we make excuses for them, that they misinterpret the texts, we would have said that they were disbelievers because they reject the Punishment in the Grave and they reject the coming of the Maseeh ad-Dajjaal. And their leader says that he does not like to teach his students the Qur’aan so that they will not come out as dervishes.

Footnotes:

[1] The original source for this is a Question and Answer Session from UK recorded on 13 Ramadaan 1416H.

Published: August 28, 2004 | Modified: August 28, 2004

Innovations of Hajj, ‘Umrah and Visiting Madinah : Shaykh al-Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 8, 2015

Innovations of Hajj, Umrah and visiting Medina
Innovations before Ihraam
Innovations of Ihraam and Talbiyyah, etc.
Innovations of Tawaaf
Innovations of Sa`ee
Innovations of Arafah
Innovations of Muzdalifah
Innovations of Stoning
Innovations of sacrifice and shaving the head
Various Innovations
Innovations of Visiting Madinat-ul-munawwarah
Innovations of Visiting Bait-ul-Maqadis
Footnotes

Innovations of Hajj, Umrah and visiting Medina

And I decided to add an appendix, setting forth the innovations regarding Hajj and visiting Madinat-ul-Munawwara, and Bait-ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem) (118) as many people do not know these things and so fall into them – so I wished to advise them by explaining and warning them against these things – as Allaah the Blessed and Exalted does not accept any action unless it fulfils two conditions:

Firstly: That it done sincerely for the Face of Allaah, the Honored, the Exalted.

Secondly: That it is correct – and it is not correct until it is in accordance with the Sunnah, not at variance with it – and as the people of knowledge have agreed – everything claimed by the people to be part of worship which Rasoolullah did not prescribe by his saying, nor drew nearer to Allaah by performing it – then that is at variance with his Sunnah as his Sunnah is of two kinds:

(a) Sunnah of action (Sunnah Fi’liyyah – actions which he did) and
(b) Sunnah of neglect (Sunnah Tarkiyyah) – acts which he did not do)

As for those things pertain to worship, the Prophet did not do – then it is from the Sunnah to leave them – for example: calling Adhaan for the ‘Eid prayers and for burying the dead, even though it is a means of making mentioning of Allaah and glorifying Him, it is not permissible do it as a means of drawing nearer to Allah, the Exalted, the Glorious – and that is only because it is something which Rasoolullah refrained from doing – and this point was understood by his companions – so they often warred against innovation in general – as is mentioned in its proper place – and Hudhaufah ibn al Yamaan (ra) said: “Every worship that has not been done by the companions of Rasoolullah, then do not do it.” And Ibn Mas’ood (ra)said: “Follow (the Sunnah) and do not innovate, and that is enough for you – stick to the old way.”

So how fortunate is the one to whom Allaah gives the good fortune of making his worship sincerely for Him and following of the Sunnah of His Prophet (sas) in it – not mixing it with innovation – for such a one then let him have good tidings of Allaah’s acceptance of his obedience – and his admission to His Paradise. May Allah make us those who bear the word and follow the best of it.

And you should know that these innovations are traceable to the following factors:

(i) Weak (da’eef) Ahaadith – which are not permitted to be used as evidence, nor is it, according to your saying, permissible to act on them – as I have explained in the introduction of ‘Sifat-Salaat un-Nabee’ (The Prophet’s Manner of Prayer) – and this is the position of a group of the people of knowledge – from them Ibn Taimiyya.

(ii) Fabricated (maudoo’) Ahaadith – or narrations which have no basis – some scholars remaining unaware of their true nature – and therefore basing religious verdicts upon them – their being the core of innovation and novelties!

(iii) The decisions of some scholars or their regarding certain things to be commendable – especially the later scholars – not basing these on any proofs (from the Qur’an of Sunnah), rather treating them as indisputable matters – until they become Sunnahs adhered to and followed. And it will not remain hidden from one who has insight into his religion – that it is not correct to follow such things -as nothing is part of the Sharee’ah except what Allaah has prescribed – and it is enough for the one who makes something desirable – if he is mujtahid – that it is permissible for him to act according to what he sees as desirable – and that Allaah will not punish him for that – But as for other people taking that as something prescribed and as Sunnah – then not definitely not! And how can that be when some of these things conflict with the Sunnah – as will be noted later of Allaah wills?

(iv) Customs and superstitions which have no evidence from the Sharee’ah, and are not even supported by the intellect – even if some ignorant people act upon them and take them to be part of the sharee’ah – sometimes finding support from others – sometimes from some people claiming to be from the people of knowledge – and actually having their appearance.

Then you should know that the danger of these innovations is not of one level – rather they are of different degrees. Some of them being clear shirk and kufr – as you will see, and some of them are less than that – however, you must be aware that the slightest innovation that someone brings into the religion is haraam (forbidden) after it is exposed as an innovation – as there is no innovation that is only makrooh (disapproved), as some people think – and how can that be when Rasoolullah (sas) said: “Every innovation is a going astray. And every going astray is in the Fire”. That is the one who does it.

And Imaam ash-Shaatibee has fully explained this point in his important book ‘Al I’tisaam’ – and because of this the innovation is something very dangerous – and most people remain heedless of this, except for a small group of the people of knowledge and enough as a proof of the seriousness of innovation is the saying of the Prophet : “Verily Allah has refused to admit the repentance of anyone committing an innovation, until he gives up the innovation”. Narrated by Tabraanee and ad-Diyaa-ul-Maqdisee in ‘al Ahaadith ul-Mukhtaarah’ and others – with saheeh isnaad – and was declared by al-Mundharee to be hasan. (119)

And I complete this with word of advice which I convey to the readers from a great Imaam from the first scholars of the Muslims – Shaikh Hasan ibn ‘Ali al Barbahaaree – one of the companions of Imaam Ahmad – and died in the year 329 H, he – may Allaah be please with him – said: “And beware of the smallest of the newly-invented matters, as the small innovations due to repetition become large innovations, and in that way every innovation introduced in this Ummah began as a small innovation – resembling something correct and thus is the one who falls into it enticed – then he is not able to leave it – some of it grows and becomes part of the religion, practiced as such. So examine – may Allaah have mercy upon you – everything that people of your time say and do not made haste (in accepting it) until you ask and find out: Did any of the companions of the Prophet or any of the people of knowledge speak about it? So if you find a narration from the, then accept it and do not leave it for anything – and do not prefer anything- and do not prefer anything over it and thus fall into the Fire. And you should know – may Allaah have mercy upon you – that a worshipper’s Islaam is not complete until he is follower (of proof), consenting and submitting (to the Truth). So whoever claims that anything remains of Islaam which the companions of Rasoolullah did not fully explain to us – then he has invented a lie against them, and that is enough for him that he has reviled them – so he is an innovator, misguided and misguiding, introducing into Islaam what does not belong to it.”

I (Al-Albaani) say : And may Allah have mercy upon Imaam Maalik who said : “The last part of this Ummah will not be corrected except by that which corrected its beginning, so that which was not part of the religion then – is not part of the religion today.”

And may Allah send blessing upon our Prophet (sas) who said : “I have not left any thing that will draw you nearer to Allah – except that I have enjoined it upon you. And I have not left anything that will take you away from Allah and draw you to the Fire except that I have forbidden it for you.”

And all praise is for Allaah by Whose blessing Good actions are completed.

Innovations Before Ihraam

1. Abstaining from travel in the month of Safar, and abstaining from beginning any action such as marriage or building in it.

2. Abstaining from travel in the second half of the month or because the moon is positioned in the constellation of the Scorpion.

3. Abstaining from cleaning the house and sweeping it because a traveller is about to leave.

4. Praying two ra’kahs when leaving for Hajj – reciting in the first Surat-ul-Kaafiroon and in the second Surat-ul-Ikhlaas, then after finishing saying : “O Allaah I have gone out for You and am heading towards You…” then reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi and Surat-ul-Ikhlaas, and the Last two surahs – and other things which occur in certain fiqh books.

5. Praying four ra’kahs before leaving.

6. Reciting by the one intending Hajj of the end of Surah Al Imraan, Ayat ul Kursi, Surat uz-Zilzall a and Surat ul-Faatihah -when leaving the house – claiming that thus will all his problems of this world and the next solved.

7. Making Dhikr and Takbeer loudly upon the leaving or arrival of the pilgrims.

8. Giving adhaan upon departure of the pilgrims.

9. Conveying the covering for the Ka’bah and celebration upon clothing the Ka’bah. (120)

10. Some nations seeing off the pilgrims accompanied by music!

11. Traveling alone ‘taking only Allaah as companion’ as some of the Sufis claim!

12. Traveling without provisions claiming that is tawakkul (depending upon Allaah)!

13. Traveling in order to visit the graves of the Prophets and pious people.

14. A man making agreement with a married woman who is about to make Hajj and has no mahram, that he will be for her as a mahram. (121)

15. A woman taking a non-related man as her brother so that he can be a mahram for her – and then treating him as a mahram.

16. A woman traveling together with a group of trustworthy women – as they claim – without a mahram – and similarly traveling along with a man who is a mahram for one them – claming that he is mahram for all of them!

17. Taking a tax from the pilgrims intending to perform the obligatory duty of Hajj.

18. The traveler’s praying two ra’kahs every time he makes a halt and saying “O Allaah make my stop a blessed stop and You are the best of hosts.”

19. The traveler’s reciting every time he makes a stop Surat ul-Ikhlaas ten times, and Ayat ul-Kursi and the Ayah “WA MAA QADAROOLLAAHA HAQQA QADRIHI” once.

20. Eating onions from every land which he enters.

21. Going to a particular place intending good thereby and while not being recommended by the Sharee’ah, such as those places about which it is said: “In it is remnant of the Prophet”, as is said about the Dome of the Rock, and Mosque of the Footprint towards Damascus, and the tombs of the Prophets and pious. (123)

22. Unsheathing of weapons upon reaching Taabook.

Innovations of Ihraam and Talbiyyah, etc.

23. Taking a particular sort of shoe with certain conditions well-known in certain books.

24. Entering the state of iHraam (not merely putting on the clothing) before the meeqat.

25. Wearing the iHraam under the right armpit and over the left upon assuming iHraam.

26. Making intention by words.

27. Performing Hajj silently, not speaking.

28. Making Talbiyyah in a group in one voice.

29. Saying takbeer and ‘tahleel’ in place of the talbiyyah (when assuming iHraam).

30. Saying after talbiyyah “O Allaah I intend to make Hajj so make it easy for me and help me to perform its obligation and accept it from me. O Allaah I have intended to perform what You have make obligatory in Hajj so make me of those who have responded to You…” (Allaahumma innee ureedul Hajj fa yassirhu lee… )

31. Going to the mosques in and around Makkah apart from Masjid al-Haraam – like the mosque beneath Safaa, and that is the foot of the mountains of Abu Qubais, and the Mosque of the Birthplace, and the other mosques built upon vestiges of the Prophet.

32. Going to the hills and places around Makkah, like the Mountain of Hiraa, and the Mountain at Minaa – which is said to have contained the sacrifice, etc.

33. Going to perform prayer in the Mosque of ‘Aa’ishah at Tan’eem.

34. Making the sign of the cross in front of the House. (124)

Innovations Of Tawaaf

35. Bathing for Tawaaf.

36. Wearing socks or similar footwear in order not to step upon bird excrement and covering his hands so as not to touch a woman.

37. The pilgrims praying Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid when he enters Masjid ul-Haraam. (125)

38. His saying: “I intend by my tawaaf these seven times such and such..”

39. Raising up the hands when touching the Black Stone as they are raised at the beginning of prayer.

40. To call out with kissing of the Black Stone.

41. Crowding in order to kiss the Black Stone, and preceding the imams’ saying salaam in order to do so.

42. Holding up the lower end of his garment when touching the Black Stone of Yemeni corner.

43. Saying when touching the Black Stone: (O Allaah out of belief in You and attesting to Your Book.)

44. Saying when touching the Black Stone: (O Allaah I seek Your refuge from pride and poverty and grade of disgrace in his world and the Hereafter.)

45. Placing the right hand upon the left while making tawaaf.

46. Saying in front of the door of the Ka’bah: (O Allah the House is Your House and the Sacred Area is Your Sacred Area, and the Safety is Your Safety) Then pointing towards the Station of Ibrahim – peace be upon him – saying: (And this is the place of the one who seeks Your refuge from the Fire.)

47. Making du’aa at the ‘Iraaqi corner saying: (O Allaah I seek Your refuge from doubt and shirk, and from hostility and hypocrisy, and had manners, and loss in money and family and children.)

48. Making du’aa beneath the water-spout saying: (O Allaah shade me under Your shade on the Day that there is no shade except Your shade.)

49. Making du’aa while doing raml, saying: (O Allaah make it an accepted Hajj, and forgiven sin, and a praiseworthy sa’ee, and a work that does not lead to nothing, O Mighty One, O Forgiving One.)

50. Saying on the last four rounds of Tawaaf: (O Allaah forgive and have mercy and forgive what You know, verily You are the Most Mighty, The Most Generous.)

51. Kissing the Yemeni corner.

52. Kissing the two shaami corners and touching them.

53. Wiping the walls of the Ka’bah and the Station Wiping the walls of the Ka’bah and the Station of Ibrahim – peace be upon him.

54. Seeking blessing from what they call ‘Al’Urwat al Wuthqaa’ and it is a high place Jutting out from the wall of the Ka’bah opposite to the Door, the common people claiming that one who touches it with his hand has clung on to ‘the most Trustworthy Hand-Hold.’

55. A peg at the center of the House, which they call ‘the Navel of the world’ -uncovering their navels and placing it upon that spot – so that he is putting his navel upon ‘the Navel of the world’.

56. Seeking to perform Tawaaf because it is raining claiming that one who does that has all of his previous sins forgiven.

57. Seeking blessing from the rainwater which descends from the Water-spout of Mercy on the Ka’bah.

58. Desisting from Tawaaf in a Garment that is not clean.

59. The pilgrims tipping what remains of the drink of Zamzam into the Well and saying. (O Allah I ask You for a plenteous provision, and beneficial knowledge, and a cure from every disease…)

60. Bathing in Zamzam.

61. Being careful to drench their bears in Zamzam, and also their money and clothes in order to bless them.

62. What is mentioned in some books of Fiqh regarding drinking Zamzam in many gulps, each time looking up at the Ka’bah.

Innovations of Sa’ee Between Safaa and Marwah

63. Making wudoo in order to walk between Safaa and Marwah with claim that he who does so has 70,000 ranks written for him for every step he takes.

64. Climbing right up Safaa until reaching the wall.

65. Making du’aa when descending from Safaa, saying: (O Allaah make me act according to the Sunnah of Your Prophet, and cause me to die upon his religion, and protect me from the misleading trials, by Your Mercy, O Most Merciful One.)

66. Saying while making Sa’ee: (O Allah forgive and have mercy and pass over what You Know…etc) (126)

67. Making fourteen circuits and thus finishing upon Safaa.

68. Doing Sa’ee repetitively in Hajj or `Umrah.

69. Praying two rak’ahs after completing Sa’ee.

70. Continuing to perform the Sa’ee between Safaa and Marwah after the Iqaamah has been given for prayer – so that they miss prayer in congregation.

71. Saying a particular du’aa upon reachin Minaa, like that which occurs in “Ihyaa `Uloom ud Deen”: (O Allah this is Minaa…) And when he leaves saying: (O Allah make the best early morning ever this early morning…)

Innovations of `Arafah

72. Standing upon the Mount of `Arafah on the Eight Day for a time in case the moon was wrongly sighted.

73. The lighting of many candles on the night of `Arafah at Minaa.

74. Making du’aa on the night of `Arafah with ten phrases – saying them a thousand times: (Glory be to Him Whose Throne is above the sky…)

75. Their going direct from Makkah to `Arafah on the eight day.

76. Tarvelling to `Arafah from Minaa at night.

77. Lighting fires and candles upon the Mount of `Arafah on the night of `Arafah.

78. Bathing for the day of `Arafah.

79. Saying when nearing `Arafah and upon seeing the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ur-Rahmah): subHaanallaah walhamdulillaah wa…

80. Seeking to go off to the Plain of `Arafah before the time for standing which is after half the day.

81. Saying Tahleel 100 times upon `Arafah, then reading Surat ul-Ikhlaas, then upon the Prophet 100 times at the end upon us.

82. Remaining silent upon `Arafah and leaving du’aa.

83. Climbing upon the Mount of Mercy (Jabal ur-Rahmah).

84. Entering the Dome upon the Mount of Mercy which they call “The Dome of Adam” and praying in it, and making Tawaaf of it.

85. Believing that Allah ta’ala descends in the night of `Arafah upon the Dark Green Mountain and shakes hands with the riders and embraces those who are walking.

86. The imams giving two Khutbahs in `Arafah divinding them by sitting like that of Jumu’ah.

87. Praying Zuhr and `Asr before the Khutbah.

88. Giving adhaan for Zuhr and `Asr in `Arafah before the finish of the Khutbah.

89. The imams saying to the people of Makkah after finishing the prayer in `Arafah: “Complete your prayers for we are travellers.”

90. Praying nafl prayers between Zuhr and `Asr in `Arafah.

91. Particularizing a certain du’aaa or dhikr for `Arafah, like the du’aa of al-Khidr – peace be upon him – which is mentioned in “Ihyaa `Uloom ud-Deen” and begins “O Him Who is not preoccupied with…” and other du’aas – some of them reaching five written pages.

92. Leaving `Arafah before sunset as some do.

93. What has become commmon upon the tongues of the people that the satanding in `Arafah on Yawm ul Jumu’ah is equivalent to 72 pilgrimages.

94. What some people do as regards gathering together on the evening of `Arafah in congregational mosques or in a foreign place – them making du’aa and dhikr raising their voices very much, reciting sermons and poetry, in imitating the people in `Arafah.

Innovations of Muzdalifah

95. Moving hurriedly at the time of leaving `Arafah for Muzdalifah.

96. Bathing to spend the night at Muzdalifah.

97. Regarding it to be desirable for one riding to get down and enter Muzdalifah on foot out of respect for the Sacred Area (Haram).

98. To repeat du’aa upon reaching Muzdalifah saying: (O Allah this is Muzdalifah, many languages have come together here…)

99. Leaving off praying Maghrib prayer as soon as Muzdalifah is reached and instead looking for small stones.

100. Praying the sunnahs of Maghrib between the two prayers – or combining them with the sunnahs of Ishaa and Witr after the two Fard Prayers – as al-Ghazzali says.

101. Increasing the amount of firewood on the night of Sacrifice and in the Mash’ar ul-Haram.

102. Staying awake at night.

103. Stopping at Muzdalifah without spending the night there.

104. Saying upon reaching the Mash’ar ul-Haram: (O Allah I ask You by the night of…) (127)

105. Al-Bazjooris saying: “And it is sunnah to take seven stones for stoning on the Day of Sacrifice from Muzdalifah – and to take all other stones from the river-bed of Muhassir.”

Innovations of Stoning

106. Bathing in order to perforn the stoning.

107. Washing the stones before the stoning.

108. Saying “subhaanallah” or any other dhikr in place of takbeer.

109. Saying anything in addition to takbeer – such as:

110. The saying of some of the later people: “And it is sunnah to say when throwing each stone…”

111. Adhering to a particular way of throwing the stones: like the saying of some: He should put the end of his right thumb upon the center of his forefinger and he should place the stone upon the back of his thumb as if he was making the number 70 with his fingers – then he should throw it. And others say: He should make a circle with his forefinger upon the joint of his thumb as if he were making the number 10.

112. Fixing a certain place for the one stoning to stand – that there should be between him and the ppillar five arm-lengths.

113. Stoning with shoes, etc.

Innovations of Sacrifice and Shaving the Head

114. Giving charity to the value of sacrifice instead of making the obligatory sacrifice of an animal, declaring that most of the sacrificial meat goes to waste – only a few people benefitting from it. (128)

115. Some people’s sacrificing the obligatory sacrifice in Makkah before the Day of Sacrifice.

116. The barbers starting with the left side of the head when shaving.

117. Only shaving a quarter of the head.

118. Al-Ghazzalis saying in “Ihyaa `Uloom ud-Deen”: “And the Sunnah is to face the Qiblah during shaving.”

119. Making du’aa while the head is shaved, saying: alhamdu lillaahi `alaa maa hadaana

120. Making tawaaf of the mosques near the Pillars.

121. Holding it recommendable to pray `Eid Prayer in Minaa.

122. The mutamatti’s leaving out sa’ee after Tawaaf Ifaadah.

Various Innovations

123. Celebrating the covering of the Ka’bah.

124. Covering the Station of Ibrahim.

125. Tying scraps of paper ti the Station of Ibrahim and the minbar in order for needs to be fulfilled.

126. The pilgrims writing their names upon the pillars and walls of the Ka’bah – and some of them advising that.

127. Declaring it to be lawful to walk in front of one praying in the Haraam Mosque and opposing those who try to stop them from doing so.

128. Calling one who has performed Hajj “al-Haajj”.

129. Leaving Makkah to perform an extra `Umrah.

130. Leaving the Haraam Mosque after the Farewell Tawaaf walking backwards.

131. Painting the Pilgrims’ whouse white, painting pictures upon it and writing his name and the date thereon.

Innovations of Visiting Madinat-ul-Munawwarah

This is included as undertaking journey to the Prophet’s mosque and Masjid ul-Aqsaa – may Allah return it to the Muslims soon – is from the Sunnah and because of the benefits and rewards for this, and people usually visit them before or after making Hajj – and many of them fall into numerous innovations well-known to the scholars, while doing that – so I saw it beneficial to include what I have across from these as a notification and warning and they are:

132. Journeying to visit the Prophet’s grave. (129)

133. Sending requests with the pilgrims and those visiting the Prophet and asking them to convey their salaams to him.

134. Bathing in order to enter Madinat-ul-Munawwarah.

135. Saying upon seeing the walls of Madinah: (O Allah this is the Sacred Area of Your Messenger, so make it a protection against the Fire for me and a protection from punishment and any misfortunate accounting.)

136. Saying upon entering Madinah: (In the name of Allah and upon the the religion of…)

137. The retention of the Prophet’s grave within his mosque.

138. Visiting the grave of the Prophet before praying in his mosque.

139. Some peoples facing the grave whith total humility placing his right hand upon the left as if in prayer near the grave or far from it – when entering or leaving the mosque.

140. Making du’aa facing the grave.

141. Going to the grave to make du’aa towards hoping for an answer.

142. Seeking nearness to Allah (tawassul) by means of the Prophet.

143. Seeking for intercession etc. from the Prophet.

144. Ibn al-Hajj’s saying in “al-Madkhal” (1/259) that: “One should not mention with his tongues his needs or need forgiveness of sins when visiting the grave of the Prophet” because he knows his needs already and what is of benefit to him!!

145. His saying also (1/364): “There is no difference between his death and life – as regards his watching over his Ummah and their affairs and intentions, and their regrets and their thoughts”!!

146. Their placing their hands upon the grills around the room containing the Prophet’s grave to seek blessings. And some of them taking oath upon that.

147. Kissing the tomb or touching it or what surrounds it – pillars and so on. (130)

148. Adopting a particular way for visiting the Prophet and his two companions – and a particular way of giving salaam and making du’aa, like the saying of Al-Ghazzali: “He should stand next to the face of the Prophet with his back to the Qiblah, and face the wall of the tomb … and say.. “mentioning a long salaam then a long salaat and du’aa reaching about three pages. (131)

149. Seeking to pray facing the tomb.

150. Sitting near the grave in order to recite and make dhikr.

151. Going to the Prophet’s grave after every prayer. (132)

152. Visiting the Prophet’s grave by the people of Madinah every time they enter or leave the mosque.

153. Raising the voice after prayer saying: “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah.”

154. Seeking blessings from rainwater which falls down from the Green Dome above the Prophet’s tomb!

155. Seeking nearness to Allah by eating dates of Saihaan in the ‘Rawdah’ which is between the pulpit and the grave.

156. Cutting off bits of their hair and throwing them into the large chandelier near to the Prophet’s tomb.

157. Wiping the two brass palm trees that were placed in the mosque to the west of the pulpit (133).

158. Making a point of praying in the original part of the mosque and avoiding praying in the front rows which are in the extension made by `Umar and others.

159. Making a point by visitors to Madinah to stay for a whole week in order to pray forty prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque – so as to have written for them a security from hypocrisy and from the Fire. (134)

160. Seeking reward by going to any of the mosques or places in and around Madinah except for thw Prophet’s Mosque and Qubaa Mosque.

161. Guides instructing groups of pilgrims and leading them in certain du’aas near the Prophet’s room or far from it with raised voices – and the people’s repeating even louder voices.

162. Visiting the graveyard of Baqee’ everyday and prayer in the Mosque of Fatimah – may Allah be pleased with her.

163. Particularizing Yaum ul-Khamees (known to the Christians as Thursday) for visiting the martyrs of Uhud.

164. Affixing pieces of paper to the iron railings on the ground of the martyrs.

165. Seeking blessings by bathing in the pool that used to be by the side of the graves.

166. Walking backwards out of the Prophet’s Mosque when leaving for the last time.

Innovations of Bait ul-Maqdis

167. Visiting Bait ul-Maqdis along with Hajj and their saying: May Allah make your Hajj holy.

168. Making Tawaaf of the Dome of the Rock like Tawaaf of the Ka’bah.

169. Venerating the Rock with any form of veneration – like touching it or kissing it, or leading sheep to it to slaughter them there – and visiting it on the night of `Arafah, and building upon it, etc.

170. Their claim that there is in the rock the Prophet’s fooprint, and the trace of his `imaamah (turban) and some of them think that it is the footprint of the Lord.

171. Visiting the place which they claim is the cradle of Isa – peace be upon him.

172. They claim that the Siraat (Bridge) and the Scales (meezan) are there, and that the wall that will be placed between the people of Pradise and the people of the Fire is the wall built to the east of the mosque.

173. Venerating the rock where al-Buraaq is alleged to have been tethered or its place.

174. Praying by the grave of Ibrahim – peace be upon him.

175. Gathering in Masjid ul Aqsa at the time of Hajj to sing and play the ‘Daff’ (an instrument made of a small circle of wood with a skin stretched over one side).

and this is all that I have been able to gather from innovations of Hajj and visiting. I ask Allaah the Blessed and Most High to make it an aid to the Muslims in giving preference to and following the example of the best of the Messengers and accepting his guidance.

Foot Notes / References :

1. Reported by Bukharee, AHmad, An-nasaaiee & Ibn Maajah from Abu Hurairah – may Allah be pleased with him. See ‘Silsilat-ul-Ahadeeth-us-Saheehah’ (no. 1200) and ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no. 769).

2. As is the case with most pilgrims these days – and it is very rare for one of them to bring the sacrificial animal along with him as the Prophet did. So he who does so, then there is no blame upon him – however one who does not bring it with him and still does Hajj Qaarin or Faarid – then he has gone against the Prophet’s action and his command – even though the people may be averse to this point. As Ibn Abbas said- reported by Muslim(4/58) and AHmad(1/278,342).

3. See ‘Sahheh Abi Dawud'(nos.1568 and 1571).

4. And his basis for saying that is the saying of the Prophet: Verily Allaah has entered the ‘Umrah into this Hajj of yours, so when you come – then he who has made tawaaf of the House and between Safaa and Marwah – then he has become Halaal(left iHraam) except he who had the sacrificial animal with him.(Sahih A.D., nos.1573,1580).

5. And that does not negate what is narrated from ‘Umar and others that Hajj Muffrad is better because of what I have stated in the Original. And I have found also that Ibn Taimiyyah explains that to mean singling out ‘Umrah in his journey and Hajj in his journey. See Majmood al-Fataawaa, Vol.26 as it is important.

6. Hasan hadith. See ‘Saheeh ul-Jaami us-Sagheer’ (no.1477).

7. And it exists in the Original in its complete form (pg. 28) and is reported in [[Irwaa al Ghaleel]] #1019 and Saheeh Abi Dawood #1613.

8. It is the face-cover worn upon the tip of the nose. And it is of different types. If she pulls it up to her eyes then it is called ‘Al-Waswasah’ or ‘Al-Burqa’. If she pulls it down to below the eye socket then it is ‘Al-Niqaab’, and if it is upon the end of her nose it is ‘Al-Lukfaam’. It is called the woman’s niqaab because it hides her colour of the niqaab (Lisaan ul ‘Arab 2/265-266).

9. Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah says in his ‘Mansik'(p.365): “And the gloves(Quffaazaat) are a covering made for the hand- like falconers wear….”

10. Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah says in his ‘Mansik’: “And he should not cut them down to below the ankle, as the Prophet ordered with this to begin with, then made allowance for not doing do in ‘Arafaat, when allowed one not finding an izaar to wear trousers, and allowing one who does not find sandals to wear leather socks(khuff). This is the most authentic saying of the scholars”.

11. Bukharee and Muslim, Sahih Abi Dawud(no.1600).

12. Al-Ahadeeth-us-Saheehah.(no.24569).

13. Bukharee and Muslim, SaHeeH Abi Dawud no. 155.

14. Bukharee and others

15. Sahih Abi Dawud,(no.1579), Mukhtasar Sahih ul Bukharee,(no. 761-762). Ibn Hajar says in ‘Fath-ul-Baree'(3/311) – “This shows that the excellence of al-Aqeeq valley is like the excellence of Madinah are like prayer therein….”

16. Bukharee with mu’allaq isnaad.

17. Narrated by Ad-Diyaa with saheeh isnaad.

18. Bukharee and Muslim. Saheeh Abi Dawud,(no.1590).

19. Abu Dawud, Tirmidhee. An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah. See Saheeh Abi Dawud,(no.1592).

20. Hadith Hasan. (Saheeh ul-Jaami’, no.112)

21. Narrated by Sa’eed ibn Mansoor ( See ‘al-Mahallaa'(7/94)) with good isnaad. And Ibn Abi Shaibah with saheeh isnaad from al-Muttalib ibn ‘Abdullah (Fath-ul Baree:3/324) and is mursal.

22. Muslim, see as-Saheehah, (no.2023).

23. Bukharee (no.769 in the mukhtasar). At-Tayaalisee (no.1513), AHmad(6/32,…)

24. Ibn Abi Shaibah – see ‘al-Muhallaa (7/94-95) and its isnaad is saheeh.

25. Part of a saheeh hadith – ‘as-Saheehah’ (no.828) with the words: “Jibreel ordered me to raise the voice with ihlaal (talbiyyah) as it is one of the signs of Hajj.”

26. Ibn Khuzaimah and Baihaq’ with saheeh isnaad.

27. Bukharee. And Ibn Hajr says: “And in the hadith is that the talbiyyah in valleys is from the sunnah of the Prophets, and that it is more stressed in descending and ascending.”

28. AHmad (1/417) with good isnaad, and Al-Haakim and adh-Dhahabee authenticate it.

29. Bukharee and al-Baihaqi.

30. Bukharee, Saheeh Abi Dawud,(no.1630).

31. Bukharee, Saheeh Abi Dawud,(no.1929).

32. Al-Fakihee with hasan isnaad.

33. Hadith Hasan: “As-Saheehah, (no.2478)”.

34. Saheeh ul Kalim ut-Tayyibah.

35. Ibn Abi Shaibah with saheeh isnaad up to Ibn ‘Abbaas. Marfoo’an it is da’eef.

36. Baihaqi (5/72) with hasan isnaad….

37. See ‘Al-Irwaa’, (no.1112).

38. Ash-Shafi’ee, AHmad and others – and it is a strong hadith as I have explained in ‘al-Hajj-ul-Kabeer’.

39. Authenticated by at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibbaan, al-Haakim and Adh-Dhahabee. See ‘al-Hajj-ul-Kabeer’.

40. Made Hasan by at-Tirmidhee. Made Saheeh by Ibn Hibbaan and Adh-Dhahabee.

41. Made Saheeh by at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Khuzaimah.

42. Al-Idtibaa’ is bid’ah before this tawaaf, and after it.

43. Abu Dawud and others. Authenticated by many scholars. See Saheeh Abi Dawud,(no.1653).

44. Shaikh ul Islaam ibn Taimiyyah says: “As for the other parts of the House, and the Place of Ibraheem, and whatever is in the rest of the world mosques and their walls, and the graves of the prophets and good people – like the room of our Prophet, and cave of Ibraheem, and the place where our Prophet used to pray – and all other such places, and the rock at Jerusalem, then none of these are to be touched at all or kissed – by total agreement of the scholars. And as for tawaaf of these things – then it is one of the greatest and most forbidden bid’ahs – and he who takes that as part of his religion should be asked to repent – and if he refuses he killed”.

And ‘Abdur Razzaaq (no.8945) and AHmad and al-Baihaqi port from Ya’laa ibn Umayyah who said: “I made tawaaf with Umar ibn ul-Khattaab ( and in a narration: with ‘Uthuzza) – may Allaah be pleased with him – so when I came to the corner of the Door I started to touch it so he said ‘Have you not made tawaaf with Rasoolullaah?’ I said: Yes. He said: ‘Then did you see him touch it?’ I said: No. He said: ‘Then do likewise for there is for you in Rasoolullah a good example'”.

45. This is narrated by two isnaads from the Prophet by which the hadith reaches the level of hasan – and is increased in strength by the fact that a group of the Sahaabah acted on it – from them Ibn ‘Abbaas – may Allaah be pleased with him – who said: “This is the Multazam between the Corner and the Door. And it is authentically narrated from ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair also – see ‘As-Sahaabah, no.2138. And Ibn Taimiyyah said in his ‘Mansak’ (p.387): “And if he wishes to come to the Multazam – and that is what is between the Black stone and the Door – and he places upon it his chest and face and forearms and hands – and makes du’aa – and he asks Allaah for whatever he needs – then he may do so. And he may do so before the Farewell Tawaaf there being no difference in this being at that time or any other – and the Sahaabah used to do so when they entered Makkah – and if he stands near the Door making du’aa without iltizaam of the House then that is also good, and when he leaves he does not stand or turn or walk backwards.”

46. At-Tirmidhee and others, and the other narration is Tabraanis. And it is Saheeh: See also ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.21). Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah said: “And there is no particular dhikr narrated from the Prophet, not by his order, or his saying, or by his teaching, rather he should make du’aa with any authentic du’aas – and the particular du’aas which many people mention like that for below the water-spout, etc. – there is no basis for them.

47. Bukharee and Muslim from Abu Hurairah, and Tirmidhee from ‘Alee and Ibn ‘Abbaas – see ‘Al-Irwaa'(no.1102)

48. Bukharee and Muslim from ‘Aa’ishah, and Bukharee from Jaabir – and the addition is his. See ‘Al-Irwaa'(no.191).

49. See the Introduction and the Original Book, (pp.21,23 and 135).

50. Saheeh hadith – as a number of scholars have said. see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1123) and ‘as-Saheehah’ (no.883).

51. Saheeh hadith narrated by at-Tayaalisee and others. See ‘as-Saheehah’ (no.1056).

52. Narrated by ‘ad-Diyaa’ in ‘Al-Mukhtaarah’ and others. See ‘as-Saheehah’ (no.1056)

53. It is not easy these days to see the Ka’bah except from certain points on as-Safa; it can be seen from the pillar which supports the second storey of the mosque, so he who is able to do so has attained the Sunnah, and if not then let him try his best and there is no harm.

54. (An-Nawawi) adds in ‘Al-Adhkaar’: Laa ilaaha illallaahu walaa na’budu illaa iyyaahu, and I do not find this addition in any narration of the hadith- either Muslim or anyone else who records the hadith…

55. That is after the tahleels – making du’aa for whatever he wishes from the good of this world and the Hereafter – and the best thing is that it should be something reported from the Prophet or the pious predecessors (ssalaf ul-Saalih).

56. And contrary to what some mistakenly say it is a sahih hadith. See ‘Al-Irwaa'(no.1072).

57. Reported by an-Nasaa’ee and others – see ‘Al-Hajj ul-Kabeer. Note:The following text appears in ‘al-Mughnee’of Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee (3/394): “And all the woman’s tawaaf and sa’ee is done walking, Ibn al-Mundhir says: Scholars are agreed that there is no reaml(walking quickly) upon the women around the Ka’bah or between Safaa and Marwah – nor uncovering the right shoulder (idtibaa’). And that is because the principle of it is uncovering the skin – and that is not desired from women – what is required from them is to cover – and in walking quickly (raml) and idtibaa’ uncovering occurs.” And in ‘Al-Majmoo’ of an-Nawawee(8/75) there appears what shows that there is difference of opinion in the matter between the Shafi’i scholars, he says:” There are two sayings in that. Firstly, and this is correct upon which the Jumhoor (majority) of scholars agree: That she should not run at all – but walk whether in the night or day. Secondly, that it is mutahabb for her to run at night when there is no one around (to see her) in the place of running – just as for men.” I (Al-Albanee) say: “And perhaps that is more cprrect – as the origin of sa’ee (running) is the sa’ee of Haajar mother of Imaa’eel – seeking water for her thirsty son as occurs in the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbaas: “And she found as-Safaa to be the nearest hill to her so she stood upon it, then turned towards the river-bed to see if she could see anyone – so she went down from as-Safaa till she reached the river-bed, raising up the border of her dress – and running fast till she crossed the river-bed then she came to Marwah and stood upon it to see if she could see anyone, and she could not see anyone – and she did that seven times. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Prophet said:’And that is the sa’ee of the people between these two'”. (Narrated by Bukharee in the Book of the Prophets)

58. As for seeing the Ka’bah – it is not possible now because of the building between it and the Ka’bah – so should try his best to face the Ka’bah and not do as the confused people do, who raise up their eyes and hands to the sky!

59. Narrated by Abu Nu’aim in his ‘Mustakhraj of Sahih Muslim’.

60. Narrated by Ibn Abi Shaibah(4/68.69) from Ibn Mas’ood and Ibn ‘Umar – May Allah be pleased with them – with two sahih isnaads. And from Al-Musayyib ibn Raafi’ al-Kaahilee and ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair. And at-Tabraani narrates it from the Prophet but its isnaad is da’eef (weak) – ‘Al-Mujmi'(3/248).

61. Or shaves it if there is sufficient time between his ‘Umrah and Hajj for his hair to grow enough (see Fath ul Baari,3/444).

62. Narrated by Bukharee and Muslim

63. 64. 63,64. This stopping and that after it may be difficult to perform these days due to the crowd of people, so if he goes past it to ‘Arafah then it is alright insh’allah. Shaikh ul Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah says in ‘al-Fataawaa’ (26:128): As for that which is from the sunnah of Rasoolullah – staying in Minaa on Yaum -ut-Tarwiyyah and for that night, then stopping at ‘Urahah’, which is between the Mash’ar ul Haraam and going from there to ‘Arafah, and the giving of Khutbah and the two prayers on the way in the middle of ‘Uranah’- then this is as agreed upon by scholars – whereas many writers do not bring it to notice – and most people do not know due to the prevalence of invented practices.”

65. I say: “And also it is not reported that the Prophet prayed anything before Zuhr or after ‘Asr in this place – or in any of his journeys – and it is not established that he prayed any supplementary prayers in any of his journeys except the two sunnahs of Fajr and the Witr.

66. Bukharee narrates it from Ibn ‘Umar with mu’allaq isnaad. See ‘Mukhtasar-al-Bukhari'(3/89/25).

67. Hasan or Sahih hadith. With more than one isnaad – refer to ‘As-Saheehah,(no.1503)’.

68. As that is established from the Prophet – as is explained in the Original.

69. Narrated by Muslim and others. See ‘At-Targheeb'(2/129).

70. Narrated by AHmad and others – and authenticated by a number of scholars – as I have explained in ‘Takhreej ut-Targheeb’.

71. This was said ny Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, its being established from the Prophet and his companions, in al-Bukhari (25/94/801) (Mukhtasar al-Bukhari).

72. Ibn Taimiyyah says: “And when he reaches Muzdalifah he prays Maghrib before making the camels kneel down if possible, then after making them kneel they pray ‘Ishaa – and if they delay the ‘Ishaa somewhat then there is no harm.”

73. As for the addition “Allahummaj’alhu Hajjan mabrooran….” which some writers mention – it is not established from the Prophet as I have explained in ‘Ad-Daee’fah’ (no.1107).

74. Narrated in Ibn Khuzaimah’s ‘Saheeh’ – where he says: Hadith saheeh, and explaining with this narration what is unclear in others and that what is intended by ‘until he stoned Jamrat ul ‘Aqabah’ is ‘finished stoning it’ (Fath ul Baaree, no.1426).

75. And this point has been fully explained in the Original – so refer to that if you wish to receive the proof of the matter (p.30).

76. And this hadith is sahih and has been authenticated by a number of scholars, from among them Ibn ul Qayyim, as I have explained in ‘Sahih Abi Dawud’ (no.1745). And when some of the distinguished scholars came upon this hadith before the spread of this treatise- they regarded it as something strange – some of them quickly declaring it to be weak – as I myself did in some of my earlier works – based upon Abu Dawud’s isnaad – eventhough Ibn ul Qayyim strengthened it in his ‘Tahdheeb’ of Abi Dawud, and as did Al-Haafiz (Ibn Hajr) in ‘At-Talkhees’ – by keeping silent about it. And I have found other chains of narration for it which will convince anyone looking into the matter of its being raised from the level of da’eef to level of its being saheeh. However due to there being in a reference work not in common use by the large majority – and that is Imaam at-Tahaawis ‘Sharh Ma’aanee ul ‘Athaar’- these people quickly declared its something strange or being da’eef and they were encouraged in this by the fact that they found that some of the earlier scholars had said: ‘And I do not know any scholar who has ruled according to that.’ And that is a negation of something – it is not a piece of definite known amongst the scholars that lack of knowledge of something does not mean absence of knowledge of it. So when a hadith is established to have come from Rasoolullah and is a relevant proof – as this is – then it is obligatory to act upon it straight away, not waiting to see if the scholars know of it or not, just as Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee said “A narration is to be accepted as soon as it is confirmed even if none of the scholars are acting upon it like the narrations which they accept – for the hadith of Rasoolullah is confirmed on its own not by anyone’s acting on it afterwards.” I say: So the hadith of Rasoolullah is above needing to be attested to by the actions of scholars according to it, as it is a source (of knowledge) by itself, judging not being judged. And along with that, indeed, some of the scholars have acted upon this particular hadith – from them ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair – the greatest Taabi’ee – so can there remain any excuse for anyone to leave action according to this hadith: So verily therein is a warning for any who have a perceptive heart or listens attentively. And this is more fully explained in the Original. And you should be aware that the stoning of the Jamrah is for the pilgrims as the ‘Eid prayer for the rest of the people, therefore, Imaam AHmad liked that the time for the ‘Eid prayer in different parts should be that of the time of sacrifice in Minaa, And the Prophet gave Khutbah on the Day of Sacrifice after the stoning just as he used to give the Khutbah in Madinah after ‘Eid prayer – so some people holding it as being desirable to offer ‘Eid prayer in Minaa, taking as their evidence the word of general profs or analogy – is a mistake and neglect of the Sunnah – As neither the Prophet nor the khulafaa after him ever prayed the ‘Eid prayer at Minaa. See ‘Fatawaa Ibn Taimiyyah'(26:180).

77. I say: And there is in this hadith two great allowancesfor the pilgrims – and a solution for most of the problems of the piling up of slaughtered animals in the slaughter- house – which has led to those in control there to have to bury some in the earth – and he who wishes to see the matter more fully laid out should return to the Original (pp.82-988).

78. And there is a hadith from the Prophet narrated by Jaabir – reported by Abu Dawud and others – see ‘AL-Irwaa'(no.1138) and another by Baihaqee (9/289). And it is narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that he liked the animal to be made to face the Qiblah when slaughtered. And Abdur-Razzaaq(no.8585) narrates with sahih isnaad from ibn ‘Umar, that he disliked to eat from an animal slaughtered facing other than the Qiblah.

79. Al-Haafiz (Ibn Hajr) says (10/16): “That it will be easier for the one slaughtering to take the knife in his right hand, and to hold its head with his left.” I say: And causing it to die down and placing the foot on its side is what is narrated by Bukharee and Muslim.

80. Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1550). And there is after it a supporting hadith from Ibn’Umar like it – narrated by Bukharee and Muslim.

81. Narrated by Maalik with sahih isnaad reaching Ibn ‘Umar and Bukharee brings it in a chapter heading while signifying its authenticity Mukhtasar of Bukharee no.330).

82. Reported by Abu Dawud and others narrated by Jaabir – and it has support from the hadith of Abu Sa’eed al Khudnee reported by Abu Ya’laa – as occurs in ‘al-Majma’ (4/22) – see “Al-Irwaa’ (no.1118).

83. Reported by Muslim and others from ‘Aa’ishah – see ‘AL-Irwaa’ – and Ibn Taimiyyah in his book ‘Al-Mansik’ added: “……..(As You accepted from Ibrahim whom You took as a chosen friend)”, and I cannot find it in any of the books of Sunnah which are with me.

84. Reported by Bukharee with mu’allaq isnaad (see Glossary). Its isnaad is joined by Abu Dawud and others. See Sahih Abi Dawud (nos.1700,1701).

85. Reported by AHmad, authenticated by Ibn Hibbaan, and I hold it to be authentic due to its multiple lines of transmission. See ‘As-Saheehah'(no.2476).

86. Al Qaani’ is the one who asks. And Al Mu’tarr is the one who begs by displaying the weakness of his body.

87. Narrated by Bukharee and others. See ‘Irwa ul Ghaleel’ (no.964). As for Ibn Taimiyyah’s saying (p.388) “And the Mutamatti’ must fast part of the three days before putting of the iHraam for Hajj on the Day of Tarwiyya” – I do not know any proof for it. Rather it seems to go against the clear meaning of the ayah and hadith, and Allah knows best.

88. Reported by Bukharee and Muslim and others from the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar and others – see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1084).

89. Reported by Muslim and others, see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1089), and Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1730). And this is one of those matters in which Ibn al Hammaam the Hanaafi scholar agrees that the Hanaafi scholars have gone against the Sunnah. So what have the blind followers to say of that?

90. Sahih hadith – ‘Al Ahaadith us-Saheehah’ (no.605), Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1732).

91. Ibn Taimiyyah says: “And if he shortens it he draws it together and shortens it up to the length of a finger joint or less – or more, and the woman does not shorten in excess of that – as for the man he may shorten it as much as he pleases.”

92. Report by Bukharee and Abu Dawud from a number of the companions – see Sahih Abi Dawud (nos.1705,1707,1709,1710) and ‘Mukhtasar ul-Bukharee’ (no.847).

93. Narrated by Bukharee with mu’allaq isnaad – connected by Abu Dawud. See Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1700) and ‘Irwaa ul Ghaleel’ (no.1064).

94. 95. 94,95. Narrated by Abu Dawud and others. See Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1710)

96. Narrated by Bukharee with mu’allaq isnaad. Connected by Ibn Abi Shaibah and others. See ‘Mukhtasar al Bukharee’ (no.319,1/p.386).

97. Narrated by Bukharee with mu’allaq isnaad. Connected by Abdur-Razzaaq. See ‘Mukhtasar al Bukharee'(no.318).

98. Narrated by ‘Abd ur-Razzaaq (no.9012) with sahih isnaad from Ibn ‘Umar.

99. I say: And Allaah knows better which of them Rasoolullah did – and it may be that he prayed twice with them – the first being Fard and the second nafl as he did in some of his battles.

100. 101. 102. 100,101,102. All of this is established in the hadith of Ibn Mas’ood reported by Bukharee and Muslim and others – and as for what occurs in some Hajj books that he should face the Qiblah upon stoning Jamrat-ul-Aqabah, then that contradicts this authentic hadith – and whatever contradicts it is shaadh (Glossary), or rather munkar (Glossary) as I have explained in ‘Ad-Da’eefah'(no.4864).

103. Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah says: “So if the sun sets and he is still in Minaa – then he must remain for the stoning on the third day”. I say: And the great majority of scholars agree on that – contrary to what Ibn Hazm says in ‘Al-Muhallaa’ (7.185). And An-Nawaawi drives proof for them(the majority) from what is understood from Allaah ta’alas saying: faman ta’ajjala fee yaumaini falaa ithma ‘alaihi (8:283): “And the day (al-Yaum) is a name for the daytime not including the night”. And using what is confirmed from ‘Umar and his son ‘Abdullah who both said : “Whoever is at Minaa on the second day and the evening comes upon him – then let him stay until the next day and leave together with the people.” And the wording of ‘Al-Muwatta’ from Ibn ‘Umar is: “Then let him not leave until he has stoned the Jamaraat on the next day.” And Imaam Muhamad in his Muwatta (p.233) narrates it from Imaam Maalik and says: “And that is what we accept, and it is the saying of Abu Hanifah and people in general.”

104. Reported by Bukharee and Muslim and others – see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1097). And I have pointed out there that my narrating it as being from the hadith of Ibn ‘Abbaas in the Original is a mistake.

105. Reported by Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’ee and Ibn Maajah – and authenticated by a group of the scholars. See ‘Al-Irwaa'(no.1080).

106. Hadith hasan reported by Al-Bazzaar and Al-Baihaqi and others from Ibn ‘Abbaas – Ibn Hajr declaring its isnaad to be hasan, and it has supporting narrations which I have quoted in ‘As-Saheehah’ (No.2477).

107. Reported with Mu’allaq isnaad by Bukharee (Mukhtasar al Bukharee, no.287) joined by a number of scolars whom I have named in ‘As-Saheehah’ (no.803).

108. Reported by Tabraani and Diyaa-al-Maqdisee in ‘Al-Mukhtara’ and ‘Al-Mundhari’ declares its isnaad to be hasan. And it is as he said as it has another chain of transmission as I have shown in ‘Tahdheer us-Saajid…’ (pp.106-107 2nd edition).

109. Reported by AHmad and others from the hadith of Jaabir from the Prophet with saheeh isnaad – and authenticated by a number of scholars whom I have mentioned in ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1129).

110. Reported by Tirmidhee and others – authenticated by Ibn Khuzaimah and Ibn Hibbaan and al-Haakim and others – see ‘Al-Mishkaat’ (no.258) and ‘at-Targheeb’ (no.2/120,122).

111. Reported by Abu Dawud, Tirmidhee, an-Nasaaiee Ibn Maaja and others – authenticated by Tirmidhee and al-Haakim and adh-Dhahbee – see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.481).

112. Reported by Muslim and others – and a similar hadith by Bukharee. see ‘Al-Irwaa'(no.1086) and ‘Saheeh Abi Dawud’ (no.1747).

113. Established in the hadith of al-Haarith Ibn ‘Abdullah Ibn Aus, reported by AHmad and others. See Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1749)

114. Reported by AHmad with a sahih isnaad to the standard of Bukharee and Muslim – who also both narrate a similar hadith – see ‘Al-Irwaa’ (no.1086). And they also narrate a witness to it from the hadith of ‘Aa’ishah – see Sahih Abi Dawud (no.1748).

115. Reported by Bukharee in his ‘Taareeq and Tirmidhee who declared it to be hasan – from the hadith of ‘Aa’isha – may Allaah be pleased with her – see ‘Al-Ahaadeeth-as-Saheehah’ (no.883).

116. Reported by Baihaqi with a good sahih isnaad from Jaabir – may Allaah be pleased with him. And it has an authentic mursal narration as a witness to it reported by ‘Abd-ur-Razzaaq in his ‘Musannaf'(no.9127). And Ibn Taimiyyah narrates that the salaf used to transport it.

117. See note 24.

118. May Allaah return it and the rest of the Muslim land to them, and may Allah inspire them to work with the rulings of the religion.

119. See ‘Silsilat-ul-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah’ (no.1620)

120. And this innovation was stopped many years ago-al-hamdulillah-however the one after it remains in its place and in Al-Baajoorees explanation of Ibn ul-Qaasim (1/41) there occurs: “And it is forbidden to go for a pleasure trip to see the carrying of the Ka’bahs covering and the coverings of the Station of Ibrahim,etc.

121. And this and the one after it are some of the most wicked innovations because of what they contain regarding use of tricks to get around the shaaree’ah and the risk of falling into shameful actions as is obvious.

122. see 121.

123. And it is authentically reported from ‘Umar – may Allaah be pleased with him – that he saw some people while on the way to Hajj going to a certain place, so he said: What is this? So it was said: A place where Rasoolullah prayed. So he said: In this way where the People of the Book destroyed. They took the places connected with there Prophets as a place of prayer. Whomsoever of you reaches such a place at the time of prayer then let him pray, otherwise he should not do so.

124. This appears to refer to wiping the face and chest with the two hands resembling a cross.

125. For the greeting for the Haraam Mosque is tawaaf, then the praying behind the Station of Ibrahim and has preceded from the Prophet, from his action. And see ‘Al-Qawaa’id an-Nooraneeyah’ of Ibn Taimiyyah (pg.101)

126. What has been authentically reported as a practice of Ibn Mas’ood and Ibn ‘Umar is the same that has preceded (see point no.55).

127. This du’aa besides being a novelty also contains that which contradicts the sunnah and that is using as a means of approach to Allaah the ‘right of the Mush’ar-ul-Haraam and the ka’bah …’but rather than one should use Allaahs names and attributes as a means of approach (wasilah) to Him. And the Hanafi scholars have declared that is hated to say: “Allaah I ask You by the right of the Mash’aral Haraam…etc” As occurs in ‘Haashiyat Ibn ‘Aa-bideen’ and other books. see ‘at-Tawassul’ Anwa’uhu wa ah-kaamuhu’

128. And this is one of the worst innovations because of what it involves regarding twisting the shari’ah which is clearly shown in the Book and Sunnah merely on account of opinion. And the chief responsibility for the lack of total use of the meat lies upon the pilgrims themselves, because they do not when sacrificing take account of the directions of the Wise Legislator – as is shown in the Original (pg.87-88)

129. And the Sunnah is to go to visit the mosqe as the Prophet said: do not journey accept to three mosques…so when he reaches it and prays upon entering then he may go to the grave. And it should be known that traveling to visit his grave – peace and blessings be upon him – and other graves is one thing, and visiting without traveling is something else – contrary to what has become widespread amongst the later people – among them holders of doctorates who have confused the two – and have further declared that Ibn Taimiyyah in particular and the salafis in general deny the authenticity of visiting the Prophets graves – and this is a clear untruth. See the matter fully explained in our refutation of Doctor Bootee who produced a succession of such sayings in the magazine ‘Islamic civilization’. Then I produced a particular treatise called ‘in defense of the Prophetic hadith….

130. And al-Ghazali-may Allaah have mercy upon him-did well in speaking against this kissing (1/244) and said: “it is a habit of Christians and Jews” So is there anyone to take heed?

131. And what is correct is to say: “assalaamu’alaika yaa rasoolullaahi wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuhu – assalaamu ‘alaika yaa abaa bakr – assalaamu ‘alaika ya ‘umar” as Ibn ‘Umar used to. And if he adds something slight as he feels at the time – not always doing it – then it is alright insha’Allah.

132. And this is in addition to its being an innovation and exaggeration in religion, and in contradiction to the Prophet’s saying: Do not take my grave as a festival, and send blessings upon me and it is a reason for many Sunnahs being lost and many benefits – and that it is the dhikr after the prayer recited after giving salaam – for they leave all of these and hurry to this innovation So may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said: “No innovation is brought to life except that a Sunnah is killed off “.

133. And there is absolutely no benefit in these two as they were only put there for decoration and to charm the people – and they have lately been removed – alhamdulillaah.

134. And the hadith about that id da’eef – and cannot be an evidence for it is as I have explained in ‘Ad-Ad-Da’eefah’ (no.364). So it is not permissible to act on it as it is Sharee’ah – especially as it may cause trouble to some pilgrims as I myself once found – thinking that the hadith about it was authentic – and he might miss some prayers and thus be a hardship – which Allaah has delivered him from. And one honorable person holds this hadith to be strong – based upon the attestation of Ibn Hibbaan in favour of one of its unknown narrators – and the scholars of Hadith criticism do not accept this type of attestation. Among them the aforementioned honorable person as he himself has stated in his refutation of Shaikh al-Ghumaaree in the ‘Journal of the Salafi University’ which comes from India. See the Book of Shaikh ‘Abd-ul-Rabee’aan in reply to him, as he has written well and is of benefit and explains the mistakes regarding supporting this hadith and the contradictions involved.

Modern Day Deviant Groups : Shaikh Ahmad bin Yahyaa An-Najmee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014February 25, 2015

Source: Al-Fataawaa al-Jaliyyah ‘anil-Manaahij Ad-Da’wiyyah (pg. 51-55)
Compiled by Hasan Ibn Mahmood Ibn Mansoor ad-Daghreeri.
Taken from Al-Ibaanah.com

Question: “Noble Shaikh Ahmad Ibn Yahyaa An-Najmee, may Allaah give you tawfeeq, there are found some books that include talk about these hizbee groups, which have incorporated a methodology that opposes the methodology of the Salaf in the fields of knowledge and action. And these books fall in between that which is large and difficult for the beginner to grasp of its content and between that which is short and contains little benefit. So O Shaikh, we hope that you can give us a clear but brief image of the most prominent of some of these methodologies’ founders and some of the issues they are criticized in. This is so that the Muslims can beware of falling into any part of that. And if you would be so kind O Shaikh as to direct the last of your talk to focusing on the true methodology, which every Muslim is obligated to follow…”

Answer: All praise be to Allaah, and may His peace and blessings be upon the most honorable of all creation, our prophet Muhammad, and on his family and Companions. To proceed:

Jamaa’at-ul-Ikhwaan al-Muslimoon

Definition of the Ikhwaan Al-Muslimoon:

They are the followers of Hasan Al-Bannaa. There are several points to be noted about their methodology, the most important of which are the following:

1. They show a lack of importance to Tawheed Al-‘Ibaadah [1], which is the most important matter in Islaam, since the Islaam of an individual is not valid without it.

2. They remain silent and concede to the people in their performance of major Shirk, supplication to other than Allaah, performance of tawaaf around graves, making oaths to the dead in the graves, sacrificing in their names and so on.

3. The founder of this methodology was a Sufi. He had a connection with Sufism to the point that he gave bay’ah (oath of allegiance) to ‘Abdul-Wahhaab Al-Khusaafee upon (following) his Khusaafee Shadh-lee order.

4. The presence of innovations amongst them and their worshipping Allaah through them – even to the point that the founder of this methodology acknowledged that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would attend their gatherings of dhikr and that he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would forgive what past sins they had committed, as is found in his saying:

“May Allaah bless the one who upon light in which he appeared
To the worlds, and so he surpassed the sun and the moon
This habeeb (i.e. Muhammad) along with his beloved has gathered
And pardoned everyone in what sins they did in the past.”

5. They call to establishing the Khilaafah and this is an innovation because the Messengers and their followers were not entrusted with anything except to call to Tawheed. Allaah says: “And We have indeed sent to every nation a messenger, (saying to his people): ‘Worship Allaah and avoid the taaghoot (false deities).’” [Surah An-Nahl: 36]

6. They have a lack of Walaa and Baraa (loyalty and disavowment) or a weak form of it. This is made clear in their call to bring closeness between the Sunnis and the Shee’ah. And their founder was quoted as saying: “We will cooperate with one another in what we agree on and pardon one another in what we disagree on.”

7. They hate and despise the people of Tawheed and those who adhere to the Salafee Way. This is made clear in their talk concerning the Saudi state, which is founded upon Tawheed and which teaches Tawheed in its schools, institutes and universities. And it was made clear in their killing of Jameel Ar-Rahmaan Al-Afghaanee just because he called to Tawheed and because he had schools in which he would teach Tawheed.

8. They pursue the mistakes of the leaders and expose their faults – whether true or false – spreading them amongst the youth in order to make the leaders appear hateful to them and so that they can fill their hearts with contempt against them.

9. They hold detestable partisanship to the party they ascribe themselves to. So they show friendship based on this party and they show enmity based on this party.

10. They give their oath of allegiance to work for the Ikhwaani Manhaj according to the ten conditions that the founder has set forth. And there are other issues of concern, which perhaps can be dealt with at a later time.

The Qutubees

They are a people that have read the books of Sayyid Qutb and accepted what is in them from truth and falsehood. So you will find them defending Sayyid Qutb when someone criticizes him, even if the truth is with the one criticizing.

It is well known that Sayyid Qutb was not from the men of religious knowledge. His original status was that he was an author. Then he adopted the beliefs of the Ash’arees – the belief of ta’weel (misinterpretation of Allaah’s Attributes), as did others among the learned people from Egypt. He has serious and vile errors, which the people of knowledge have refuted and exposed. But when they expose these errors, this results in the rage of the Qutubees befalling them by way of their criticizing, speaking ill and discrediting them. So Allaah is sufficient for us and He is the Best of Guardians.

So the basic principle is that: Men are known by way of the Haqq (truth) and the Haqq is not known by way of men. So it is obligatory on us to accept the truth and to worship Allaah, Lord of all worlds, by it, and to abandon everyone that treads an innovated methodology. And we must place as our role model, the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), his Khulafaa, his Companions, and those who followed them amongst the Imaams of guidance. And Allaah is the One who grants success.

The Suroorees

The definition of the people who adhere and ascribe to this methodology:

The Suroorees are a group of people or a sect that ascribe themselves to Muhammad Suroor Zayn-ul-‘Aabideen. They have some aspects of the Sunnah and some aspects of Bid’ah (innovation) in them. The most important characteristics that can be noted from them are:

1. They attack the rulers and speak about them in a manner that results in evil, corruption and danger. It appears that they declare the leaders to be disbelievers, but this can only be understood by way of their circumstances and actions and cannot be picked up from their words. This is since the path they take is the path of the Khawaarij or close to it, knowing that the religious texts state the obligation of hearing and obeying the rulers.

And our rulers in this land (of Saudi Arabia) are Muslims – all praise be to Allaah. They use Allaah’s Legislation for judging in their court systems and they establish the prescribed punishments (hudood). So declaring them to be disbelievers or talking about them in a manner that leads to revolting and rebelling against them is considered a great form of causing corruption. Due to this, we must warn against those who adhere to this methodology or rid ourselves from them, especially since they have attacked the scholars of this land by reviling them, making slanderous remarks against them and accusing them of betraying the Deen. This matter indicates what they are behind.

2. They call to Jihaad, but they do not intend by it the Jihaad against the disbelievers. Rather it seems like they intend by it to change the leaders, knowing that we cannot rid the leaders of their errors. And we do not claim that they are infallible however we say: It is obligatory to obey them and to advise them in a private manner because they are Muslims. And the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) forbade us from rebelling against the leader unless the one rebelling sees clear disbelief upon him by which he will have a proof from Allaah in the matter.

3. They claim that the scholars in this land do not understand the current affairs. And they can be refuted by the fact that the Muftees and the judges do not issue a fatwa in a single issue nor do they judge in a single matter except after coming to know its state of affairs, which encompasses it, such as the cause, the conditions for the ruling and its effects. So whoever claims that these scholars and judges do not understand the current affairs then he has wronged himself and spoken what is not permissible for him to say. As for knowing the plans and schemes of the enemies and so on, then this falls under the jurisdiction of each country’s army.

Jamaa’at-ut-Tableegh

They are a people that follow Muhammad Ilyaas, the founder of this Jamaa’ah.

A biography of the founder: Muhammad Ilyaas was born in 1302H. He memorized the Qur’aan and read the Six Collections of Hadeeth. [2] He was upon the Deobandi methodology, taking the Hanafee madh-hab, the Ash’aree and Matureedee Creed and the Sufi way. They have four Sufi orders amongst them:

1. The Naqshabandees
2. The Sahroordees
3. The Qaadirees, and
4. The Jishtees

Shaikh Muhammad Ilyaas gave the Sufi bay’ah (oath of allegiance) to Shaikh Rasheed Al-Kankoohee, who later became Shaikh Rasheed As-Saharanpuree. Then he renewed it with Shaikh Ahmad As-Saharanpuree who certified him to take oaths of allegiance. Muhammad Ilyaas would sit in detached isolation (khalwah) by the grave of Shaikh Nur Muhammad Al-Badaayunee, in what is known as the Jishtee Muraaqabah (self meditation). And he would go out to the grave of ‘Abdul-Qudoos Al-Kankoohee, the one who forced the ideology of wahdat-ul-wujood [3] on him. He resided and taught in Delhi and passed away in 1363H.

Circumstances that brought about the start of the movement:

Shaikh Abul-Hasan An-Nadwee saw that Muhammad Ilyaas took refuge in this way of giving Da’wah when the ways of blind-following failed to rectify the people of his region. Shaikh Miyaan Muhammad Aslam quotes one of Ilyaas’ sayings that he received kashf (mystic disclosure) to follow this way through a dream in which he was inspired with a new tafseer (interpretation) of Allaah’s saying: “You were the best nation brought out for mankind, commanding good and forbidding evil and believing in Allaah.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 110] And it was that going out (khurooj) to call people to the way of Allaah cannot be realized by staying in one place based on Allaah’s word “brought out” and that one’s Eemaan increases by going out in this khurooj based on Allaah’s saying: “and believing in Allaah” after having said: “brought out for mankind.”

The following can be noted from what has just been mentioned:

1. The Qur’aan is not interpreted by makshoofaat (mystical disclosures), and by Sufi dreams, of which the majority of them, rather all of them come from the inspirations of the Devil.

2. It is apparent from what was stated previously that the founder of this Jamaa’ah was engrossed in Sufism from head to toe. This is because he gave two oaths of allegiance on it and was tested by its false beliefs and because he would spend his time sitting by the graves of Sufis.

3. The founder of this Jamaa’ah was a qubooree (grave worshipper) and a khuraafee. This is clear from his saying: “…and he would sit in detached isolation (khalwah) by the grave of Shaikh Nur Muhammad Al-Badaayunee.” And concerning the second person, he mentioned that he forced the ideology of wahdat-ul-wujood on him. So his being attached to the grave of the one who forced the ideology of wahdat-ul-wujood on him is without doubt a clear proof that he held that same belief

4. Those who believe in wahdat-ul-wujood claim that Allaah embodies Himself inside the attractive woman – and refuge is sought from Allaah! This is a matter that has reached the highest level of repulsiveness. May Allaah give them what they deserve of His curses and wrath!

The methodology of the Jamaa’at-ut-Tableegh can be summarized in six issues or six principles or six characteristics:

1. Actualizing the statement of Tawheed: “Laa Ilaaha Illaallaah Muhammadur Rasoolullaah” (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah and Muhammad is His Messenger)
2. Praying with full submissiveness and humility
3. Knowledge of the Virtues (Fadaa’il) and not the Fiqh issues (Masaa’il) along with knowledge of dhikr
4. Showing generosity to the Muslim
5. Correcting the intention
6. Calling to Allaah (i.e. Da’wah) and going out (i.e. khurooj) for that purpose in the Way of Allaah upon the tablighi manhaj.

There is an objective behind each of these six principles or characteristics as well as a virtue to be attained. So for example the objective behind (Laa Ilaaha IllaAllaah) is to: “Eradicate the corrupted yaqeen (Certainty) from the heart while placing the correct and valid yaqeen into the Essence (dhaat) of Allaah.” They really intend the belief of wahdat-ul-wujood with this.

Point to be noted about Jamaa’at-ut-Tableegh:

1. The founder of this Jamaa’ah was raised upon Sufism and gave two oaths of allegiance on it.

2. He would position himself by graves, waiting to receive Kashf (Sufi mystical disclosure) and meditative ideas from the deceased inside them.

3. He would perform the Jishtee Muraaqabah (self meditation) at the gravesite of ‘Abdul-Quddoos Al-Kankoohee, who used to believe in wahadat-ul-wujood.

4. The Jishtee Muraaqabah is to sit by a grave for half an hour of every week, covering the face and reciting this dhikr: “Allaahu Haadiree, Allaahu Naadhiree.” [4] This statement or this action if done sincerely for Allaah is an innovation. And if it is done for the person in the grave then it is committing Shirk with Allaah. And the last of the two is what is most evident.

5. They have four of their graves located in the masjid from where their Da’wah emerged.

6. The founder of this Jamaa’ah believed in Kashf.

7. The founder of this Jamaa’ah was a grave worshipper.

8. The Tablighis perform their worship with an innovated form of dhikr, done in the way of the Sufis. This is by splitting up the statement of Tawhheed (Laa Ilaaha IllaAllaah).

9. Whoever cuts off the negation part of the Statement of Tawheed from its affirmation part intentionally, by saying “Laa Ilaaha” (only), then this necessitates the fact that he has committed disbelief. Shaikh Hamood At-Tuwayjiree stated this, quoting it from the scholars.

10. They make it permissible to wear amulets that have on them mystical writings and names of unknown people, which probably are names of devils! And this is not permissible.

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: This is the category of Tawheed related to the Oneness of Allaah in the worship that is performed to Him, i.e. that we worship only Allaah and no one else.

[2] Translator’s Note: The hadeeth Collections of Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Abu Dawood, At-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah and Ahmad.

[3] Translator’s Note: Wahdatul-Wujood is the belief that Creator (Allaah) and the Creation is one existence.

[4] Translator’s Note: This has something with the meaning of “Allaah is my ever-Present Accompanier, Allaah is my Watcher”

The Meaning and Origin of Sufism : Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Source: Haqeeqat-ut-Tasawwuf (pg. 11-15) [1422 1st Edition]

Al-Ibaanah.com

The words Tasawwuf and Soofiyyah were not known during the first generation of Islaam. Rather, they were only introduced into it after that or they were adopted into Islaam from other nations.

Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa: “As for the term Soofiyyah (Sufism), then it was not heard of during the first three generations of Islaam. Rather, speech concerning it only became known after the first three generations. Several Imaams and scholars spoke about it afterward, such as Imaam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Abu Sulaymaan Ad-Daaraanee and others. It was also reported from Sufyaan Ath-Thawree that he spoke about it. Some of them also mentioned that on the authority of Al-Hasan Al-Basree. They differed in their views on the meaning of what a Soofee ascribes himself to, since the word ‘Soofee’ is a noun indicating an ascription, such as Al-Qurshee, Al-Madanee and so on.

It is said to be an ascription to Ahlus-Suffah,[1] but this is an error, since if this were the case, they would call themselves Suffee. It is also said to be an ascription to the saff (row) that is the foremost before Allaah, but this is also wrong, since if this were the case, they would call themselves Saffee. It is also said to be an ascription to the safwah (best) from Allaah’s creation. This too is an error, since if it were so, they would have to call themselves Safwee. It is also held to be an ascription to Soofah bin Bishr bin Udd bin Taabikhah, an Arab tribe that used to be located next to Makkah in the past, which the ascetics would ascribe themselves to. Even though the ascription of Soofee is in conformity to this person’s name (Soofah) from a grammatical standpoint, it is also a weak opinion, since these people were not well known to most of the ascetics and because if the ascetics were to ascribe to them, it would have been more likely that they would have ascribed to them during the era of the Sahaabah, Taabi’een and the Atbaa’ at-Taabi’een.

It is also due to the fact that the majority of those who speak on behalf of the Soofees are not aware of this tribe and they are not pleased with being attributed to a tribe from the Days of Ignorance (Jaahiliyyah), which did not exist during the era of Islaam. It is also held, and this is the most well known opinion, that Soofee is an ascription to soof (wool). This was since the first time that the Soofees appeared was in Basrah (‘Iraq).

The first people that established the role of Soofiyyah were some of the companions of ‘Abdul-Waahid bin Zayd. ‘Abdul-Waahid was one of the companions of Al-Hasan Al-Basree who lived in Basrah and was into such great lengths in abstinence (zuhd), worship (‘ibaadah), fear of Allaah (khawf) and so on, the likes of which were not found in the rest of the inhabitants of other lands.

Abush-Shaikh Al-Asbahaanee reported with a chain of narration connected to Muhammad bin Sireen that it reached him that a group of people preferred wearing wool, so he said: ‘There are some people that prefer to wear wool claiming that they resemble the Messiah, son of Maryam. However, the guidance of our Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is more beloved to us, and he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would wear cotton and other types of clothes.’ Or he stated words similar to this.”

Then he (Ibn Taimiyyah) said after this: “These people ascribe themselves to outer garments, which in this case is wool (soof) garments. So it can be said about one of them that he is a Soofee. However, their methodology is not restricted to the wearing of woolen garments, nor do they mandate that on anyone or adhere to ordering it. They only attach themselves to it due to it being the outer condition.”

Then he said: “So this is the origin of Soofiyyah (Sufism). After this, it branched off and diversified.” [2]

Ibn Taimiyyahs words, may Allaah have mercy on him, indicate that Sufism originated in the lands of Islaam at the hands of some very pious worshippers from Basrah as a result of their going to great lengths in abstinence (zuhd) and worship (‘ibaadah). Then after that, Sufism evolved and changed.

The conclusion that some modern-day authors have come to – that Sufism crept into the lands of the Muslims from other religions, such as Hinduism and Christian monasticism – has become accepted based on what Shaikh Ibn Taimiyyah reported from Muhammad bin Sireen, that he said: “There are some people that prefer to wear wool claiming that they resemble the Messiah, son of Maryam. However, the guidance of our Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is more beloved to us!” This indicates that Sufism has a connection to the religion of the Christians!!

Dr. Saabir At-Tu’aimah said in his book: “Sufism – Its Beliefs and Methods”: “It appears that it came about due to the influence of Christian monasticism in which the monks would wear woolen garments and reside in their monasteries. There were many of them that would be upon this practice throughout the lands, which Islaam freed by way of Tawheed…” [3]

Shaikh Ihsaan Ilaahee Dhaheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in his book “Sufism: Its Source and Origin”: “When we look deep into the teachings of the first and latter-day Sufis and the statements that have been quoted and narrated from them in the Sufi books of old and present, we see a huge difference between it and the teachings of the Qur’aan and the Sunnah. Likewise, we don’t see its roots or its seeds in the history of the chief of all creations (Prophet Muhammad) (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) nor in that of his righteous and noble Companions, from the best of Allaah’s creation. Rather, contrary to that, we see that it has been derived and acquired from Christian Monasticism, Brahmanism, Hinduism, the religious devotion of Judaism and the asceticism of Buddhism.” [4]

Shaikh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Wakeel, may Allaah have mercy on him, said in the introduction of the book “The Downfall of Sufism”: “Indeed, Sufism is the lowest and vilest of schemes, which the Devil innovated so that the servants of Allaah can mock and ridicule along with him in his war against Allaah and His Messengers. It is the veil of the Magians (Majoos), which gives the impression that it is divine. Rather, it is the veil of every enemy to the true religion. Examine it and you will find in it Brahmanism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and the Manichaean beliefs. You will find Platonism in it. You can even find Judaism, Christianity and the idolatry of the Days of Ignorance in it.” [5]

Through presenting the views of these modern-day writers regarding the origin of Sufism, as well as many other writers not mentioned here that hold these same views, it becomes clear that Sufism is a foreign concept that was introduced into Islaam. This shows in the practices of those who ascribe themselves to it – those practices that are foreign to Islaam and far removed from its guidance. By this, we intend the latter-day adherents to Sufism whose mystical illusions and fantasies have become many and great.

But as for the former predecessors, such as Al-Fudayl bin ‘Iyyaad, Al-Junaid, Ibraaheem bin Adham and others, then they were upon a state of moderateness.

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The Ahlus-Suffah (People of the Bench) referred to the poorer Companions who would sit outside the Prophet’s (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) masjid, waiting for charity and waiting for the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to come out so that they could accompany him and learn hadeeth from him.

[2] Majmoo’-ul-Fataawaa (11/5-7, 16, 18)

[3] As-Sufiyyah: Mu’taqidan wa Maslakan (pg. 17)

[4] At-Tasawwuf: Al-Mansha’ wal-Masdar (pg. 28)

[5] Masra’ at-Tasawwuf (pg. 19)

Published: September 18, 2004 | Modified: September 18, 2004

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the Qadiyani Sect : Imaam al-Albaanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014April 26, 2017

Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Al-‘Aqeedah At-Tahaawiyyah – Sharh wa Ta’leeq (pg. 39-40)
Al-Ibaanah.com

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) informed his ummah in many ahaadeeth, advising and cautioning them, that there would be many imposters (Dajjaaleen) after him. In some narrations, he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Everyone will claim to be a prophet, whereas I am the seal of the prophets – there being no prophet after me.” [Reported by Muslim and others; See al-Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah: no. 1683]

Amongst these imposters was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Al-Qadiyani who claimed prophethood for himself. He has followers spread throughout India, Germany, England and America. And they have masaajid which they use to misguide the Muslims. There were some individuals amongst them in Syria as well, but Allaah uprooted them and eradicated them.

They have many vile beliefs apart from their belief that prophethood continued after Muhammad (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The one who preceded them in this belief is Ibn ‘Arabee, the Sufi. They have authored a treatise on this subject in which they have collected statements from him that serve as support for this afore-mentioned belief of theirs. And the mashaayikh were not able to refute it because it was from that which Ibn ‘Arabee said (!!) even though they asserted with certainty that they were disbelievers. There is no room to mention their beliefs here.

No doubt they are the ones whom the Messenger of Allaah intended when he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said in the hadeeth that has been authentically reported from him: “There will be lying impostors during the Last Days that will bring you narrations, which neither you nor your forefathers heard of. So beware and let them beware, lest they misguide you and bring calamity upon you.” [Reported by the author (i.e. At-Tahaawee) in Mushkil-ul-Athaar (4/104). It is also found in Saheeh Muslim (1/9)]

From their most distinguishing signs is that when they begin speaking about their Call (i.e. beliefs), before everything, they start out with affirming the death of ‘Eesaa (Jesus). When they are able to accomplish this – according to their perception – they proceed onto the next level, which involves mentioning the ahaadeeth that talk about the descent of ‘Eesaa, and make it clear that that they believe in these narrations. However, they then quickly move on to distorting their meanings by claiming that what is meant by them is the descent of someone similar to ‘Eesaa (Jesus), since they have already established and confirmed – according to their views – that ‘Eesaa (Jesus) died. So they claim that this person was Ghulam Ahmad Al-Qadiyani!

They have many, many other examples of distorting texts similar to this, which leads us to believe that they are a group from amongst the heretical Baatinees. We will point out some of their deviant beliefs soon by the Will of Allaah.

From the misguided beliefs of the Qadiyanis is that they reject the Jinn as being a creation apart from mankind. So they distort the apparent meaning of all the ayaat and ahaadeeth that clearly prove their existence and their distinction from mankind amongst creation, instead claiming that these texts refer to humans themselves or a specific group from amongst mankind. This is even the case with Iblees (i.e. the Devil) himself as they allege that he was a human being that was evil! So how misguided they are!!

Published: January 31, 2006

– Other Fatwas –

Al-Qadianiyyah order

The third question of Fatwa no. 1615

Q 3: What is the ruling on this new faith and its followers, I mean Al-Ahmadiyyah faith? Callers to this faith warn against memorizing any Ayahs from the Qur’an or the Names of Allah and prohibit invoking blessings upon the Prophet (peace be upon him). Where and when did this faith originate? What is the ruling on those who avoid it?

A: The Pakistani government, the Muslim World League in Makkah Al-Mukarramah and the Organization of Islamic Conference held in the League in 1394 A.H. issued a declaration that this (Qadiani) sect is outside the fold of Islam. The Conference published a report on the origin of this sect, when and how it was founded, and many other details disclosing its reality.

In conclusion, it is a sect claiming that the Indian leader Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (born in the thirteenth century) was a prophet who received revelation and that anyone who disbelieves in him is not considered a true Muslim. Allah (Exalted be He) states in His Book that our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Seal (Last) of the Prophets. Muslim scholars are unanimously agreed upon this. Whosoever claims that after him there is a prophet receiving revelationfrom Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) commits an act of Kufr (disbelief). This is because such a person goes against the Ijma‘ (consensus) of the Islamic Ummah (nation) and denies what is stated in the Qur’an and the authentic Hadith reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) which affirm that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Last of all prophets.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member	Member	Deputy Chairman	Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud	`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan	`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify	`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Browse by Volume Number > Group 1 > Volume 2: `Aqidah (2) > The Sects > Al-Qadyaniyyah order > Ruling on Al-Ahmadiyyah sect and their beliefs

—

Q: I hope you can explain the ruling on the Sufi order called Al-Qadyaniyyah and their alleged prophet Ghulam Ahmad Al-Qadyany I ask you kindly to send me any books related to this order as I am very interested in studying it.

A: The Prophethood ended with Muhammad (peace be upon him), and there is no prophet after him. This is authentically proved by the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and whoever claims otherwise, or claims Prophethood, then he is a liar. Foremost among those people is Ghulam Ahmad Al-Qadyany whose claim of Prophethood is nothing but falsehood, and so what his followers claim in this regard is also falsehood.

In the light of the above, the Council of Senior Scholars issued a decree regarding Al-Qadyaniyyah as a Kafir (disbelieving) sect for their claims.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member	Member	Deputy Chairman	Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud	`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan	`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify	`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Browse by Volume Number > Group 1 > Volume 2: `Aqidah (2) > The Sects > Al-Qadyaniyyah order > Ruling on the Sufi order called Al-Qadyaniyyah and their alleged prophet

—

The difference between the Muslims and Al-Ahmadiyyin

Q 3: What is the difference between the Muslims and Al-Ahmadiyyin ?

A: The difference between them is that Muslims are people who worship Allah Alone, follow His Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and believe that Muhammad is the last of all prophets. But Al-Ahmadiyyun, followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, are disbelievers and are not Muslims. They claim that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is a prophet after Muhammad (peace be upon him). Whoever adopts this faith is a disbeliever according to all Muslim scholars. Allah (may He be praised) says: Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allâh and the last (end) of the Prophets. In addition, it is authentically reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: I am the seal of prophets and there is no prophet after me.

May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member	Member	Deputy Chairman	Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Qa`ud	`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan	`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify	`Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

Browse by Volume Number > Group 1 > Volume 2: `Aqidah (2) > The Sects > Al-Qadyaniyyah order > The difference between Muslims and Al-Ahmadiyyah

The ruling concerning the Braylwiyyah : The Permanent Committee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Question:

There is a particular group in Pakistan called the ((Braylwiyyah)) or ((Jamaa’ah Nuwaaree)) which is a reference to their current leader known as ((Nuwaaree)). I ask your excellencies the Sharee’ah ruling regarding them and their ‘aqeedah, and the prayer behind them as this is a contentious issue which many people are unaware of the reality. I will mention some of their defective ways and beliefs:

1) The belief that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is alive;

2) The belief that the Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is present and all-seeing, especially immediately after Salaat al-Jumu’ah;

3) The belief that the Messenger (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) is the foremost intercessor;

4) They believe in “saints” and the dead in their graves, and they offer salaah at the graves requesting them for their needs to be met;

5) Their commendation of domes and lighting up of graves;

6) Their saying ((Yaa Rasool, Yaa Muhammad (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam)));

7) Their hatred towards whoever loudly says ((Aameen)) and raises his hands in the salaah, considering such a person to be a Wahhaabee;

8) Their great astonishment at the use of the miswaak before the salaah;

9) Kissing the thumbs whilst doing wudhoo., the adhaan and after the salaah;

10) After the salaah, their imaam repeating the aayah:

{Allaah sends His prayers on the Prophet and also His angels too}, [Soorah al-Ahzaab, Aayah 56].

11) They gather after the Salaat al-Jumu’ah standing and reciting anaasheed and sending praises (to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam));

12) After they complete the Noble Qur.aan in the Salaat at-Taraaweeh in the month of Ramadhaan, they prepare alot of food and distribute it in the dining area of the masjid, in addition to sweets;

13) They build masaajid and seek much importance in decorating them, writing ((Yaa Muhammad)) above the mihraab (standing place of the imaam);

14) They consider themselves the people of the Sunnah and correct ‘aqeedah and that (all) others are in error;

15) What is the Sharee’ah ruling regarding performing the salaah behind them (their imaam), considering I am a medical student in Karachi and live next door to the masjid where they are in (overall) control (i.e. their beliefs and practices prevail)?

Response:

Whoever has these characteristics and attributes, then it is not permissible to offer your salaah behind them (their imaam), and whoever knows of their condition, then their salaah is not correct. This is because most of their characteristics and attributes are of kufr and bid`ah which negate the tawheed (oneness) with which Allaah had sent His messenger and revealed in His Book, and that which conflicts with the Qur.aan, such as His (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) saying:

{Verily, you (Muhammad) will die and verily, they (too) will die}, [Soorah az-Zumar, Aayah 30]

And His saying:

{And the mosques are for Allaah (alone), so invoke not anyone along with Allaah}, [Soorah al-Jinn, Aayah 18]

And their bid`ah which they practice should be detested with good manners, and if they accept (and leave these pratices) then all praise is for Allaah (alone); And if they do not accept (and continue in these practices) then you should leave them and offer your salaah in the masjid of the Ahlus-Sunnah. And in this, with respect to Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) there is a good example:

{And I shall turn away from you and from those whom you invoke besides Allaah. And I shall call on my Lord; and I hope that I shall not be unblest in my invocation to my Lord}, [Soorah Maryam, Aayah 48].

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa, comprising –
Head: Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez Ibn Abdullaah Ibn Baaz;
Deputy Head: Shaykh ‘Abdur-Razzaaq ‘Afeefee;
Member: Shaykh ‘Abdullaah Ibn Qu’ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., – Volume 2, Page 396, Fatwa No.3090

Why talk about the Deviant Sects of Old? Shaykh Jamaal Al-Haarithee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 12, 2018

Jamaal bin Fareehaan Al-Haarithee

Al-Ajwibat-ul-Mufeedah ‘an As’ilat-il-Manaahij-il-Jadeedah (pg. 33-37) [2nd Edition]
Al-Ibaanah.com

Someone might say:

“Why do you talk about the Mu’atazliah, the Jahmiyyah, the Zanaadiqah, the Ash’arees, the Khawaarij and the Murji’ah and always mention them when speaking about the issues of Creed, when these groups have ceased to exist and its adherents have died out?” As the saying goes: “They have been consumed by time.” So there is no reason to mention them.

Our response is, and with Allaah lies the success: Yes, these sects existed in the past, and their followers and founders have died out ages ago. However, their ideologies still prevail, and their beliefs have not come to an end. Rather, the followers of these ideas and beliefs, who have been influenced by these groups, are still present among us today.

So their ideologies and beliefs are passed on from generation to generation, and they have people who continue to pass them on.

As for the beliefs of the Mu’tazliah, then it is still in existence today and in fact it is widely spread amongst those who ascribe to Islaam. This is since the Shee’ah, in all of their various sects and denominations, even the Zaydees among them, adhere to the beliefs of the Mu’tazliah.

As for the Ash’arees, then it is a sect that exists in groups amongst a majority of the Muslims today.

As for the belief of Irjaa, it can be found also in the Hanafees who believe that Eemaan (Faith) is just tasdeeq (affirmation) and qawl (speech). So actions, according to them, do not fall into the fold of Eemaan. Even though this Irjaa is of a lesser nature, it is still from the Irjaa of the well-known people of rhetoric.

And as for the apostates, such as those who believe in wahdat-ul-wujood and other than them, then they exist today as well, since the followers of Ibn ‘Arabee can be found today and they are from the extreme Sufis.

So based on this, when we mention these groups, we are not talking about the actual groups of old, but rather we are talking about the groups that exist among the Muslims today. And this is something that is not hidden from the students of knowledge. So it is only those who are unaware of the realities or those who wish to confuse the people and spread false beliefs that condemn us when we mention these groups. So it is upon such people to ask before they condemn. This is just a short discussion on the matter, but in reality this topic is vast, and Allaah knows best.

I will present some examples below that make it clear that the ideologies of these destructive groups are still present today:

1. Sayyid Qutb said in his book “In the Shade of the Qur’aan” (4/2328): “The Qur’aan is present and in existence just like the earth and the heavens.” This is the belief that the Qur’aan is created, and this is the view of the Jahmiyyah and other deviant groups.

2. He also said in the afore-mentioned book (6/4002) while interpreting Allaah’s statement: “Say: He is Allaah, the One” [Surah Al-Ikhlaas: 1]: “This indeed refers to the oneness of existence. So there is no reality except for His reality, nor is there a true existence except for His existence. So everything else that exists, its existence stems from that actual existence.” This is the belief of wahdat-ul-wujood.

3. Muhammad Qutb said: “The matter requires us to call the people to Islaam all over again, not because, this time, they reject saying ‘Laa Ilaaha Illaa Allaah, Muhammad Rasoolullaah’ with their mouths, as the people during the first stage of strangeness would do, but because the people during this time reject the main requisite of Laa Ilaaha Ilaa Allaah, which is: Judging by the Legislation of Allaah.” [Quoted from the book “Our Current Situation” (pg. 29)]

I say: This is declaring the masses to be disbelievers, in the absolute sense. If this is not so, then how can he judge that the people reject Allaah’s Rule. And how can he liken them to the Days of Ignorance prior to Islaam, without going into detail or making exceptions for those who do in fact implement Allaah’s Legislation, and who have no constitution except the Book of Allaah? These kinds of general statements are oft repeated by these writers, as if they don’t acknowledge the existence of the huge Salafee Islamic state located in the heart of Arabia. And it is as if they don’t acknowledge the existence of Muslims in various other regions that are from the followers of Hadeeth, supporters of the Sunnah and adherents to the beliefs of the Salaf.

The strange thing is that these people, or some of them, were living in this Islamic state (The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) at the time they made such statements, which contain grave deception for the readers, such that an average person is led to believe that there cannot be found an Islamic state today that professes Laa Ilaaha Illaa Allaah, implementing its requisites and ruling by Allaah’s Laws. And it leads the reader to believe that there cannot be found any individuals or groups that adhere to Tawheed on the face of this earth. And this is deceiving, misleading and deluding the readers. So let the student of knowledge take note of this phenomenon that is widespread amongst these types of writers, may Allaah guide them to what is correct!

4. One of those who ascribes himself to the Da’wah said:

“From the outward display of sins is when a person boasts about his sins in front of his colleagues. So he begins to speak aloud, saying he did such and such, and he goes into detail about many of his sins. This kind of person will not be forgiven (!!), unless he repents, because the Prophet ruled concerning him that he will not be pardoned: ‘Everyone from my ummah will be pardoned except for those who outwardly profess their evil.’ And what is worse and viler than this is when some of them say: ‘I have unlawful relations’ or ‘I have girlfriends’ or ‘I go on dates.’ This person is filled with sins. Some of these people even record sins on tapes! There is no honor for these people since they are apostates by doing this!! They record how to beguile a girl and get her to commit lewd acts. This is apostasy from Islaam! This person (who records this) will be in the Fire of Hell forever unless he repents!!” [From the tape “A Gathering on the Platform]

And with regard to some of the singers, whose tapes are spread around by the youth – tapes which call to filthiness and which delude the young boys and girls, he said:

“I am certain that the person who does this act, the least that can be said about him, is that he takes sins lightly. And there is no doubt that belittling a sin, especially if it is a major sin and the scholars have unanimously agreed on its prohibition, constitutes disbelief in Allaah. So the likes of these people, there is no doubt that their actions are apostasy from Islaam. I say this with a tranquil and calm heart.” [The tape: “The Youth – Questions and Problems]

I say: Declaring sinners to be disbelievers and interpreting the spread and distribution of sins amongst the people as being a belittlement of sins that leads to disbelief, this shows hastiness in labeling people disbelievers due to major sins and a lack of showing restraint. And this is from the methodology of the Khawaarij, as they declare people to be disbelievers due to major sins. As for the example he gave of a person manifesting his sins and evil relationships with sinners, then this kind of talk shows that these things are probable but do not consist of clear proof. Perhaps the thing that causes the person to do this is ignorance. This is why we must remind them and not declare them disbelievers. And this is the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. Furthermore, belittling something and taking it lightly does not constitute a mockery of it. In fact, everyone that commits a sin, whether major or minor, doesn’t do so unless he first considers it trivial and belittles it. So someone who takes something lightly doesn’t necessarily ridicule it. And who is the one that is free from sins?! And Allaah knows best.

5. Another person said, whilst asking a question and then responding to it at the same time: “Do you think that the evils that are present in our communities today are just sinful matters? Many people assume today that interest is just a sin or a major sin, and that drugs and alcohol are sins, and that bribery is just a sin or one of the major sins… No doubt O brothers!! I have looked into this matter and it has become clear to me now that: Many people in our societies have made interest lawful, and refuge is sought in Allaah. Did you know that now the interest-based banks in our country has reached two million customers? I swear this to you by Allaah! Does each individual from these millions know that interest is Haraam, but yet still deals with it even though it is a sin?! By Allaah!! So then, from the danger that is present today, due to the vast amount of widespread sins is that many people have made these major sins permissible and lawful, and we seek Allaah’s refuge! [From the tape Tawheed First (!!)]

I reply with the same answer I gave in the previous example. However, this example is more dangerous for the one who made this statement, in my understanding, since in his grave exaggeration, he claims that what occurs in this society from interest, alcohol and bribery, all of these are not just disobedience or major sins. And he swears by Allaah to this! Being determined that the one who commits sins is deeming it to be permissible, without hearing from anyone of them that they clearly assert interest to be lawful, or dealing with bribes to be lawful or using drugs and alcohol to be lawful – to positively deem these people to be disbelievers without hearing these statements come from them or having a reliable proof that bears witness that they in fact deem these acts to be permissible, and to instead only have assumptions, is a clear proof of the weak restraint and lack of consideration this individual has. This is the methodology of the Khawaarij and the Mu’tazliah. So my advice to him and those like him is to recant from making such general assertions that are more dangerous for them than for others. Turning back to the truth is better than persisting in falsehood.

6. A third person, who has a doctorate in ‘Aqeedah, said whilst holding in his hand a flyer from a hotel in one of the Gulf states:

“In this hotel, it clearly states, that they serve alcoholic drinks, in addition to the other things it has…So this is a clear call to alcohol and to naked and intermingled dancing whilst drinking alcohol. We seek Allaah’s refuge from this disbelief.” [From Cassette No. 272/2 of The Explanation of al-‘Aqeedat-ut-Tahaawiyyah]

And he said in a book of his:

“Disbelief and apostasy has appeared in our newspapers, evil has spread in our circles and we are called to fornication on our radios and television sets. And we have made interest lawful.”

This book was prepared and printed with various different titles. In Pakistan, it went by the title: “Removing the Grief from the Scholars of the Ummah.” In America, it goes by the title: “Kissinger’s Promise.” And in Egypt, the book was titled: “Facts surrounding the Gulf Crisis.”

Regardless, you have seen how this individual has taken it upon himself to make the statement that we have made interest permissible. But we, all praise be to Allaah, do not deem interest as being permissible, nor does our society. Nor do we consider simply distributing alcoholic drinks to some of the neighboring regions as being open disbelief that expels one from the fold of Islaam. Rather, that which we worship Allaah with, is that those things mentioned by these individuals that ascribe themselves to the Da’wah – all of these things are sins, apart from disbelief. In fact all of these acts are a lesser form of disbelief (i.e. minor disbelief), meaning that they are acts of disobedience and major sins that negate the completeness of Eemaan of the person who commits them, but not the foundation of Eemaan, as the Prophet said: “A fornicator does not fornicate whilst being a believer at the time he fornicates. And a thief does not steal whilst being a believer at the time he is stealing…”

No doubt the Eemaan (Faith) that is being negated here is the completeness of Eemaan (i.e. so the sinner does not have complete Eemaan, meaning his Eemaan is deficient). And there are many more examples of this in our Religion. We ask Allaah to grant us understanding of our Religion and to guide these people and their likes to the truth. My dear brother, O you who strives for this Salafee methodology! After seeing these examples of the ideologies present in some of the callers today, not to mention the youth that are deceived by them, and who sit in front of them, taking their ideas and beliefs, which destroy the Creed of the Salaf.

After seeing all this, will you still say: “Why do you talk about these groups that have come to an end”, when their deviant and corrupt beliefs and methods still exist and their misguidance is still present?? So reflect, may Allaah guide you, on the importance of Tawheed and of implementing it, and on warning about all of the deviant groups in every time and place, and on returning back to the methodology of the Salaf as-Saalih (righteous predecessors), in light of the Book and the Sunnah, and Allaah knows best.

Purchase the complete translation of this book from Al-Ibaanah.Com

Related Link:

https://abdurrahman.org/innovated-groups-sects/

Advising the Seekers of Knowledge : Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014January 22, 2017

Source:Introduction of his classic book Iqtidaa-ul-‘Ilm Al-‘Amal
Translator:abu maryam
al-manhaj.com

We give thanks to Allaah, the One free of all defects, for having inspired us. And we ask Him to grant us the ability to act upon what He has given us knowledge of. Indeed, goodness cannot be attained, except by His granting and His assistance. Whomsoever Allaah leads astray, there is no one from His creation that can guide him. May Allaah send His blessings upon Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), the chief of the first and the last (of people), and upon his brothers from among the prophets and messengers. And upon those who follow the light (i.e. the Qur’aan) that was revealed to him SAW until the Day of Recompense.

To proceed, I advise you O seeker of knowledge to have a sincere and pure intention in your search for knowledge. And that you exert yourself in acting upon what it necessitates (from action). For indeed knowledge is a tree and action is its fruit. And one can never be considered knowledgeable so long as he doesn’t act upon what he has knowledge of.

It has also been stated: “Knowledge is a parent and action is its offspring.” And “Knowledge comes with action, while narrating comes with investigating.”

So do not feel satisfied with actions so long as you are lacking in knowledge. Nor feel satisfied with knowledge so long as you fall short of producing actions. Rather, combine them both, even if your share of the two is small.

And there is nothing worse than a scholar, whose knowledge the people abandon because of the corruption of his ways, nor an ignorant person whose ignorance the people accept because of what they see from his worship.

So a little of this (knowledge) along with a little of that (action) is what is most likely to save you in the end, when Allaah bestows His mercy upon His servant and completes his favor upon him. But as for laziness and negligence, love for ease and comfort, preferring the easy life and showing indifference, inclining towards leisure and relaxation, then the results of these characteristics are blameworthy, detestable and disastrous.

Knowledge leads to action, just as action leads to salvation. So if the action falls short of the knowledge, then the knowledge becomes a burden upon the one who possesses that knowledge. And we seek Allaah’s refuge from knowledge that turns into a burden, is the cause of humiliation and which becomes a shackle on the neck of the one who possesses it.

Sahl Ibn Muzaahim (rahimahullaah) said: “The matter is more tighter upon a scholar than when one clenches his fist tightly, even though the ignorant person is not excused because of his ignorance (i.e. he will be held to account also). However, the scholar will receive a greater punishment if he abandons what he has knowledge of and doesn’t act upon it.”

So did those of our Salaf (predecessors) from the past reach the high levels that they reached except through sincerity in Creed (Beliefs), righteous actions and overwhelming abstinence of the attractive features of this worldly life? And did the wise people reach the greatest level of success (that they did) except by working hard in their efforts and being pleased with their easy accomplishments, while sacrificing the excess amount from their needs by giving it away to the poor and those who asked?

Is not the one who gathers books of knowledge just like the one who gathers gold and silver? Is not the one who has an intense greed for them just like the one who is eager and desirous of gold and silver? Is not the one who is deeply in love with them just like the one who treasures gold and silver?

So just as wealth does not benefit except by it being spent, then likewise, knowledge does not benefit except for one who acts upon it and carries out its obligations. So let each individual examine himself and take advantage of his time, for indeed the resting place (i.e. this world) is short, the (time for) departure is near, the road is hazardous and deviating from it is common. The danger is great, the one who takes note has wisdom, Allaah, the Most High, is watching over, and to Him is the (final) recourse and return. “And whosoever does an atom’s weight of good, he shall see it. And whosoever does an atom’s weight of evil, he shall see it.” [99: 7-8]

The Advice of ‘Alee (radiallaahu ‘anhu)

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014July 25, 2017

Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

Kumail ibn Ziyaad said: ‘Alee ibn Abee Taalib took hold of my hand and took me off towards the desert. When we reached it, he sat down, took a deep breath and then said:

“O Kumail ibn Ziyaad! The hearts are receptacles, so the best of them is the one which preserves the best. So memorise what I say to you.

The people are of three (types): the Scholar who is rabbaanee [1], the one learning being upon the path of salvation, and the confused rabble who follow everyone who calls out – bending along with every wind – they are not enlightened by the light of knowledge, nor do they lean upon a firm support.

Knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge is a protection for you, whereas it is you that has to protect wealth. The zakaat of knowledge is action, whereas spending decreases wealth. And love of the Scholar is part of the Religion. Knowledge brings about obedience for the Scholar in his own lifetime and causes him to have good repute after his death, whereas the benefit of wealth ceases when it passes away. The hoarders of wealth have died even though they are still alive, whereas the Scholars remain for as long as time remains – their persons are lost, but their examples remain in the hearts.

Here, indeed here – (and he pointed to his chest) – there is knowledge, if only I could find carriers for it. But instead I have found them quick to comprehend, but not trustworthy. They use what pertains to the Religion for worldly ends. They seek to use Allaah’s proofs against His Book, blindly following the people of truth, but having no insight regarding receiving it.

Doubt pierces their hearts when anything problematic arises. They are neither this nor that. They do not know where the truth lies, and if they are mistaken then they do not know why. They are ardently in love with something the true state of which they do not know – so they become a trial for others.

And indeed, the utmost good is for the one to whom Allaah grants understanding of the Religion And it is enough ignorance for a person that he does not know about his Religion. Such a person is passionately addicted to pleasures, accustomed to following desires, or is one given to amassing wealth and piling it up. Such people are not from the callers to the Religion rather they are more like the grazing cattle. And thus knowledge passes away with the passing away of those who carry it.

Oh Allaah, yes! The earth will not be without one who stands upright for Allaah, with proof – so that Allaah’s proofs and clear signs are not abolished. They are the ones who are few in number, but having the most value to Allaah. With them, Allaah asserts His proofs amongst their contemporaries and cultivates them in the hearts of those similar to them. With them, knowledge assaults and comes upon the true state of affairs, so that which those accustomed to easy living find difficult therein, they find easy; and they are at home with that which causes consternation to the ignorant ones. They live in this world with their bodies, whereas their souls are attached to higher things. They are Allaah’s ambassadors in His land and the callers to His Religion. Oh how I would like to see them, and I seek Allaah’s forgiveness for myself and for you. If you wish then you may leave.” [2]

Footnotes

Rabbaanee: The Scholar who acts in accordance with his knowledge and has insight into the condition of the people – so that he raises them upon the primary matters of knowledge before the more detailed and difficult matters.
Reported by Abu Nu’aym in Hilyatul-Awliyaa (1/79-80), al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadee in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih (1/49-50) and Ibn Katheer in al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah (9/47).

Books Recommended by Shaik Nasiruddin Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

[6] Question: What are the books you recommend a young person that is starting out in his Islaamic studies to read?

Answer:

If he is a novice, then from the books of Fiqh, we advise him to read “Fiqh As-Sunnah” of Sayyid Saabiq, while seeking assistance from some of its references, such as “Subul-us-Salaam (the ways of Peace & Safety) “ (of Imaam As-Sana’aanee, rahimahullaah). And if he looks into “Tamaam-ul-Mannah” (of Al-Albaanee) then that will be stronger for him.

And I advise him to read “Ar-Rawdat-un-Nadiyyah” (of Sideeq Hasan Khaan).
As for the subject of Tafseer, then he should habitually read from the book “Tafseer Al-Qur’aan-ul-‘Adheem” of Ibn Katheer – [chm file download ]even though it is somewhat long – for it is the most authentic from the books of Tafseer today.

Then, on the subject of religious exhortation and heart-softening narrations, he should read the book “Riyaad-us-Saaliheen” of Imaam An-Nawawee. [Daeef hadeeth in Riyadh us Saleheen – Albanee ]

Then, with regard to the books related to Creed, I advise him to read the book “Sharh Al-‘Aqeedat-ut-Tahaawiyyah” of Ibn Abee Al-‘Izz Al-Hanafee. And he should seek assistance, also, from my comments and explanations to it.

Then, he should make it his customary practice to study from the books of Shaikh-ul-Islaam Ibn Taimiyyah and his student Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah, may Allaah have mercy on them. For I hold them to be from the rare and unique Muslim scholars that have treaded upon the methodology of the Salaf As-Saalih (righteous predecessors) in their understanding, while having Taqwaa and righteousness. And we do not purify anyone over Allaah.

[Al-Asaalah, Issue #5][Source al-manhaj]

Begin by Learning the Fundamentals of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014December 17, 2020

Author:Ahmad bin Muhammad ash-Shihhee
Source:His book Al-Wasaayah as-Saniyyah (pg. 17-27)
Translator:abu maryam

From the Book : Magnificent Points of Advice for those who have turned to the Way of the Salaf – Ahmad Ash-Shihhee

Know, may Allaah grant you the ability to obey Him, that I do not mean by “Fundamentals” , the three categories of Tawheed only. Rather I intended that first, and secondly I meant by it, the other fundamentals, which Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah have agreed on and due to which they have separated themselves from the people of innovation and sects, such as the (the principles of):

Showing al-Walaa wal-Baraa (Loyalty and Disavowment), commanding the good and forbidding the evil, the (correct) stance towards the Sahaabah (Companions) – respecting and defending them, the position with respect to the Leaders, the stance with regard to the transgressors and sinners, and the position towards the People of Innovation – speaking against them and dealing with them.

This goes as well for all the other fundamentals that Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah have agreed upon and which they have put in their books on Creed, in order to clarify the truth and separate themselves from the people of deviation, calamities, vain desires and division – even though the source for some of these principles may be related to actions and not Creed. [1]

So if you have gotten a firm grasp in understanding these points and fundamentals, then, by the Will of Allaah, you will be fortified against many of the misconceptions that are gushing throughout the Islamic world.

But when many of those who have repented become negligent in this matter and do not initiate their repentance by learning the fundamentals and methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah, they become confused and lost with just the slightest of misconceptions! We ask Allaah to save and protect us!

Whoever reflects on the condition of these people, will find many instances and examples for this confusion and shakiness, amongst which are:

The First Example:

You find the person who has turned to the Way of the Salaf, in the beginning, strict and determined to keep far away from the people of innovation and sects. This lasts for some time, but then he is presented a misconception from one who clothes himself in the garb of Salafiyyah, which in brief is:

“Staying away from the people of innovation and not sitting or mixing with them is not correct.”

“This causes many benefits to be missed out on.”

“There is no one after Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) that is infallible. Even the Sahaabah made mistakes…”

And he does not hear these doubt-raising arguments except that you see his heart become diseased. And you see him drinking (from) this misconception faster than he drinks water. And lo and behold, thereafter, he begins to mix and associate with the people of innovation, becoming soft and easy-going with the principles of Salafiyyah, while doing this in the name of Salafiyyah!

This confusion only came about due to his failure to engage in learning the Qur’aan and the Sunnah, according to the understanding of the Salaf (Predecessors) of this ummah. And it was due to his failure to study the Fundamentals of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. This is since if he were to have devoted time to seeking of knowledge, he would have known that this misconception is false and at variance with the position of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah towards the people of desires and innovation, in the past and present.

And he would have known that the statement of this false-claimer (to Salafiyyah): “There is no one after Allaah’s Messenger that is infallible” and “everyone make mistakes” are words of truth, but by which falsehood is intended. This is because when anyone amongst Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah – from the Sahaabah and those who followed after them in goodness – made an error, their error did not come as a result of following desires, or failing to follow the narrations or distorting the texts or chasing after what is unclear and ambiguous from these texts, as is the case with the people of innovation. Rather, their error would come due to one of them not being aware of the proof for it or his knowing about it yet not considering it to be authentic, or any of the other reasons for which they have an excuse.

The following saying of Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was revealed concerning them and concerning those who follow them in goodness: “When the judge issues a ruling, making Ijtihaad in the matter and is correct, he gets two rewards. And if he gives a ruling, making Ijtihaad in the matter, and is mistaken, he gets (only) one reward.” [2]

This is contrary to the People of Innovation and Sects, since they do not have any concern for the narrations, and they give precedence to their intellects over the texts from the Book and the Sunnah! Rather, they establish principles that are in opposition to the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah! So these kinds of people are not to be sought excuses for, as that false-claimer (to Salafiyyah) had made excuses for them. And no one includes them in the same row as that of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah except for someone who is ignorant or an arrogant innovator! Another example is:

The Second Example:

You find the person who has repented, in the beginning, enthusiastic and eager to criticize the people of innovation, but without any guidelines or knowledge. So he remains in this state for some period of time. Then he hears the misconceptions from those who claim to be upon Salafiyyah, saying that:

“Criticizing others is not from the way of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah!”

And that “It hardens the hearts!” [3]

And that “So and so person used to criticize the groups (jamaa’aat), but then he reverted (i.e. went back to his old ways) as a result of that!”

So these doubts are not presented to him except that he turns around in his heels, and begins to reject this grand principle (of criticizing), which the Religion is established upon. Rather, perhaps you may even find him, after that, calling the people to abandon this principle, claiming that it hardens the hearts!

The truth with regard to this matter is that Criticizing is a grand principle, which the pure Religion is established upon. It is a strong aspect in safeguarding the methodology of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah from distortions. And it is a magnificent form of worship and a noble way of seeking nearness to Allaah, which causes the Muslim’s Eemaan to increase. However, this is only if it is implemented upon its proper conditions, such as having sincerity (i.e. not doing it except to please Allaah) and other conditions. So its state is the same as the state of any other act of worship, it increases one’s Eemaan.

So the discrepancies are not in the principle, but rather they are in the person who implements this principle (of criticizing and refuting) without any (proper) guidelines. So when the misconception is met with acceptance in his heart, he finds fault with the principle (of criticizing) instead of finding fault in himself for his lack of applying the principle in a good manner.

This is why we see in the Imaams of guidance – from the Sahaabah, the Taabi’een, and those who followed them in goodness –abstinence (zuhd), dutifulness to Allaah (taqwaa), fear of Him (khashya) and a soft heart along with their excessive criticism and talk concerning individuals and groups.

Look at ‘Abdullaah Ibn Al-Mubaarak and Ahmad bin Hanbal.

And look at Yahyaa bin Ma’een and ‘Alee Ibn Al-Madeenee.

And look at Abu Haatim Ar-Raazee and Al-Bukhaaree.

The biographies of all of these scholars are filled with examples of their piety, fear and dutifulness to Allaah. So this confusion and instability is due to this repentant individual’s lack of sincerity and honesty in repenting to Allaah. And it is due to his lack of giving attention to learning the principles of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah from the beginning.

Because of this, my repentant brother, you must beware of this kind of dangerous trap. And you must know that there is no way for you to be saved from these contagious misconceptions and these destructive traps unless Allaah grants you success (in that) and you begin by (first) learning the Fundamentals of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaa’ah. So be firm in this aspect, with earnestness and enthusiasm and strong determination, as Allaah says: “Hold onto that which We have given you with might (i.e. determination).” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 63]

And you must be truthful and have sincerity: “As for those who strive hard with regard to Us (i.e. Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allaah’s Religion). Verily, Allaah is with the good doers.” [Surah Al-‘Ankaboot: 69]

And have certainty in the saying of Allaah: “And if We had ordered them (saying): ‘Kill yourselves (i.e. the innocent ones kill the guilty ones)’ or ‘Leave your homes’, very few of them would have done it. But if they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them, and it would have strengthened their Faith (Eemaan). And indeed We would have then bestowed on them a great reward from Ourselves. And indeed We would have guided them to a Straight Way.” [Surah An-Nisaa: 66]

And beware of losing heart and being weak and of yielding to that which befalls you in the Way of Allaah (i.e. in your path to repentance). Do not forget Allaah’s saying: “But they never lost heart for that which befell them in Allaah’s Way, nor did they weaken or degrade themselves. And Allaah loves the patient ones.” [Surah Aali Imraan: 146]

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: An example of this point would be the inclusion of the issue of wiping over the socks for ablution. The source for this issue stems from action, yet many of the scholars of the past, including Ahmad bin Hanbal, put it in their books on Creed, since by it they distinguished themselves from the people of desires and innovation, who rejected this aspect of the Sunnah based on it not conforming to their intellects.

[2] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim

[3] This is one of their outlandish claims! – Since the hardening of one’s heart can only occur due to opposing the Commandments of Allaah and His Messenger, not by following them. How can the heart of a person who forbids the evil, especially innovations and deviant beliefs, become hardened?

“Calamities will be presented to the hearts just like a reed mat is woven stick by stick. So any heart that is immersed with them will have a black mark put on it, and any heart that rejects them will have a white mark put on it, to the point that there will become two types of hearts: A white heart that is like a stone, no fitnah (calamity) will be able to cause harm to it, so long as the heavens and the earth exist. And the other is a black heart, which is dust-colored like a vessel that is upturned, not enjoining what is good and not forbidding what is evil, except for that which it is immersed in from vain desires.” [Saheeh Muslim: (Eng.) 1/267]

Shaykh Muhammad Amaan al-Jaamee on the Books a Student of Knowledge Should Read in the Areas of ‘Aqeedah, Tafseer, Hadeeth & Fiqh

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014February 4, 2015

Question:

The Shaykh was asked which books he advises a student of knowledge to read in the areas of ‘Aqeedah, Tafseer, Hadeeth and its science, and Fiqh.

Answer:

He specifically stated that a student should memorize and understand (in the topic of ‘Aqeedah):

(1) al-Usool ath-Thalaathah,
(2) Shuroot us-Salaah wa Arkaanihaa wa Wajibaatihaa,
(3) al-Qawaa’id ul-‘Arba’ah,
(4) Shuroot Laa Ilaaha illAllaah,
(5) Nawaaqid ul-Islaam, and
(6) Kitaab ut-Tawheed, all by Shaykh ul-Islaam Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab.

As for (7) Kashf ush-Shubuhaat, then he said that if a person memorizes it, then that is good, but he did not stress it as with the above works.

Also, he did not stress memorizing (8) al-Waasitiyyah, but instead said that a student can either memorize it or learn it and understand it well.
He also mentioned that a person should study (9) the various treatises contained in Majmoo’ Fataawaa Shaykh ul-Islaam Bin Taymiyyah (presumably al-Fatwa al-Hamawiyyah al-Kubraa, ar-Risaalat ut-Tadmuriyyah, al-‘Eemaan, etc., although he did not name names), and (10) Sharh ut-Tahaawiyyah by Ibn Abee al-‘Izz al-Hanafee (d. 792) if he wants to expand his scope regarding the subject of Asmaa’ was-Sifaat.

As for the other subjects, I do not recall him specifically saying that a student should memorize anything except for the one who desires to learn about the differences between the four madhaahib in Fiqh. He said that it is befitting for such a person to memorize a matan (lower level Fiqh manual) for each of the four madhaahib.

In the area of hadeeth, he mentioned:

(1) al-Arba’een an-Nawawiyyah,
(2) ‘Umdat ul-Ahkaam, and
(3) Buloogh ul-Maraam.

Although he did not specifically say that one should memorize them, I have heard other Scholars (such as Shaykh Saalih ibn ‘Abdul-‘Azeez Aal ash-Shaykh) say that one should begin his course in hadeeth with the memorization and study of al-Arba’een. The more famous explanations for it are that of an-Nawawee (d. 676) himself, which is a very brief explanation for beginners, that of Ibn Daqeeq al-‘Eed (d. 702), which is perhaps a middle-level explanation, and that of Ibn Rajab (d. 795), which is more advanced and thorough than the rest.

The Scholars have also recommended that the more advanced and dedicated students should memorize and learn the other two: ‘Umdat ul-Ahkaam and Buloogh al-Maraam by ‘Abdul-Ghanee al-Maqdisee (d. 600) and Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalaanee (d. 852) respectively.

As for tafseer:

He said that a person should start with the tafseer of ‘Abdur-Rahmaan as-Sa’dee (d. 1376), titled Tayseer al-Kareem al-Rahmaan fee Tafseer Kalaam il-Manaan, because its author is a well-known Salafee (and hence does not fall into the same ta’weel and mistakes of the other lower-level tafaaseer, such as al-Jalaalayn).

He then said that if a person can find a Salafee teacher to guide him, he should study Fath ul-Qadeer of Shawkaanee (d. 1250) – this is because the teacher will help him:
(a) Be alert to some of the mistakes of Shawkaanee regarding as-Sifaat, and
(b) Help him with the more difficult aspects of the ‘Arabic language that occur in the book.

Finally, he mentioned Tafseer Ibn Katheer, stating that it is okay if a student studies from one of the various abridgements available nowadays (like that of ar-Rifaa’ee).

Taken From 22 Question About the Salafee Da’wah.
Shaykh Muhammad Amaan ibn ‘Alee al-Jaamee

Translated By: Abu ‘Abdul ‘Azeez al-Misree

Books Recommended by Shaykh Muqbil for the Beginner (Student of Knowledge)

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Question:Which books should a student of knowledge begin with? And then after those, if he wants to widen his study?

Answer:

The books, which a student of knowledge, who is a beginner, should start reading with [if he can read and write well] are:

Fath ul-Majeed Sharh Kitaab ut-Tawheed , which is a mighty book,
Aqeedat ul-Waasitiyyah by Shaykh ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah,
al-Qawl ul-Mufeed Fee Adillatit Tawheed by our brother Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul-Wahhaab al-Wasaabee,
Bulugh al-Maraam
Riyaadh us-Saaliheen

When you have read these books, you yourself will crave for more. If you could, start with the memorization of the Qur’aan, and this more good and desirable.

As for the issue, regarding the ‘Arabic language, for our foreign brothers, then it is very important. If there is a foreign person who does not speak the ‘Arabic language well, then a person may come to him in his Islaamic appearance and then he begins to explain the Qur’aan to him other than how it ought to be, as happened with the Mu’tazilah.

Taken From Tuhfatul Mujeeb ‘Alaa Asilatil-Hadhir wal-Ghareeb, p.156, Dar al-Aathar.

Shaykh Muqbil ibn Haadi al-Waad’iee

Translated By: ‘Amr Basheer

Recommended Books by Shaykh Zayd al-Madkhalee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Question:

Noble Shaykh, we desire that you give us the names of the valueable books in Tawheed and Fiqh?

Answer:

The books in the science of Tawheed and Islaamic Fiqh of old and of today are numerous, and that which I direct you all to read in the [science of] Tawheed are the following:

al-Usool uth-Thalaatha, and Kashf ush-Shubuhaat, and al-Qawaa’id ul-‘Arba’ah, and al-Usool ul-‘Eemaan Sittah, and Masaa’il al-Jaahiliyyah, and Kitaab ut-Tawheed, and all of them are from Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul Wahhaab (rahimahullaah). And after that Kitaab al-Aqeedatul Waasitiyyah, and Kitaabul Hamawiyyah, and both of them are from Shaykh ul-Islaam ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah). And the Nooniyyah of Ibn Qayyim (rahimahullaah) with it’s explanation, and al-Hayyaat Fee Dhillil Aqeedatil Islaamiyyah by the writer of these letters [meaning the author is the Shaykh himself], and al-Irshaad by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan, and al-Aqeedatus Saheehah wa Maa Yudaaduhaa by the Noble Shaykh ‘Abdul ‘Azeez ibn Baaz (rahimahullaah), and Qawlul Mufeed by al-Fawzaan also, and Kitaab ut-Tawheed of Ibn Khuzaymah, and Kutubus-Sunnah that have been written [and or recorded] in the science of ‘Aqeedah are numerous, as I have previously mentioned some of them.

As for the Islaamic Fiqh, likewise the books are numerous, but begin with:

al-Umdah and it’s explanation, and the summarized versions of the books of the Hanaabilah, and the Mulakhas al-Fiqhee of al-Fawzaan, and the books of hadeeth that have been explained like the explanation of Umdatul Ahkaam, and Subulus-Salaam [which is the explanation of] Bulughul Maraam, and al-Muntaqaa and it’s explanation like Naylul Awtaar, then you precede in the reading of the books while exerting ones’ self with the utmost exertion in seeking counsel with those who follow the Salaf in the books that you love to read either by way of telephone or through sending messages.

May Allaah make you all successful in that which pleases Him.

Taken From “al-Iqdul Munaddad al-Jadeed Fil Ijaabati ‘Ala Masaa’ili Fil Fiqhi wa Manaahij wat-Tawheed,” pp. 20-21. Compiled and Prepared By: Fawwaaz ibn ‘Alee ibn ‘Alee Al-Madkhaalee.

Shaykh Zayd ibn Muhammad ibn Haadee al-Madkhalee

Translated By: Abu Ukkaasha

Fawaa’id : Points of Benefit : Imam Ibn al-Qayyim

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014November 1, 2014

By the Imâm – the Shaykh of Islâm – Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah [1]
Al-Ibaanah Magazine , Issue No.3 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1416H / April 1996

[1] Six Etiquettes of Learning [2]

Ibn al-Qayyim – rahimahullâh – said:
“There are six stages to knowledge:-
Firstly: Asking questions in a good manner.
Secondly: Remaining quiet and listening attentively.
Thirdly: Understanding well.
Fourthly: Memorising.
Fifthly: Teaching.
Sixthly – and it is its fruit: Acting upon the knowledge and keeping to its limits.” [3]

[2] Fruits of Humility

Ibn al-Qayyim – rahimahullâh – said: [4]
One of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) said: “Indeed a servant commits a sin by which he enters Paradise; and another does a good deed by which he enters the Fire.” It was asked: How is that? So he replied: “The one who committed the sin, constantly thinks about it; which causes him to fear it, regret it, weep over it and feel ashamed in front of his Lord the Most High – due to it. He stands before Allâh, broken-hearted and with his head lowered in humility. So this sin is more beneficial to him than doing many acts of obedience, since it caused him to have humility and humbleness – which leads to the servant’s happiness and success – to the extent that this sin becomes the cause for him entering Paradise. As for the doer of good, then he does not consider this good a favour from his Lord upon him. Rather, he becomes arrogant and amazed with himself, saying: I have achieved such and such, and such and such. So this further increases him in self-adulation, pride and arrogance – such that this becomes the cause for his destruction.”

[3] Purifying the Heart

Ibn al-Qayyim – rahimahullâh – said:
“There is no doubt that the heart becomes covered with rust, just as metal dishes – silver, and their like – become rusty. So the rust of the heart is polished with dhikr (remembrance of Allâh), for dhikr polishes the heart until it becomes like a shiny mirror. However, when dhikr is abandoned, the rust returns; and when it commences then the heart again begins to be cleansed. Thus the heart becoming rusty is due to two matters: sins and ghaflah (neglecting remembrance of Allâh). Likewise, it is cleansed and polished by two things: istigfâr (seeking Allâh’s forgiveness) and dhikr.” [5]

[4] Jihâd Against the Self

“Jihâd (striving) against the soul has four stages:

Firstly: To strive in learning guidance and the religion of truth, without which there will be no success. Indeed, there can be no true happiness, nor any delight in this world and in the Herefater, except through it.

Secondly: Striving to act upon what has been learnt, since knowledge without action will not benefit, rather it will cause harm.

Thirdly: Striving to invite others towards it and to teach those who do not know, otherwise he may be considered from those who hide what Allâh has revealed of guidance and clear explanation. Such knowledge will neither benefit, nor save a person from the punishment of Allâh.

Fourthly: Striving to be patient and persevering against those who oppose this da’wah (call) to Allâh and those who seek to cause harm – patiently bearing all these hardships for the sake of Allâh.

When these four stages are completed then such a person is considered to be amongst the Rabbâniyyûn. The Salaf were agreed that a Scholar does not deserve the title of Rabbânî until he recognises and knows the truth, acts upon it, and teaches it to others. So whosoever has knowledge, acts upon it, and teaches this knowledge to others, is considered from the Rabbâniyyûn.” [6]

[5] Trials of the Heart

Ibn al-Qayyirn said, whilst commenting upon the following hadîth: “Trials and tribulations will be presented to hearts, as a reed mat is interwoven stick by stick. Any heart which absorbs these trials will have a black mark put in it. However, any heart that rejects them will have a white mark put in it. The result is that hearts will be of two kinds: one white like a white stone, which will not be harmed by trials as long as the heavens and earth endure; and the other dark and rusty, like an over-turned vessel; not able to recognise the good, nor reject evil, but rather being absorbed with its desires.” [7]

“The fitan (trials) which are presented to the hearts – and which are the cause of its weakness – are: [i] the trials relating to shahwah (false desire) and [ii] the trials relating to shubhah (doubt) … So the first causes intentions and desires to be corrupted, whilst the second causes knowledge and beliefs to be corrupted.” [8] Speaking about such trials, he – rahimahullâh – said: “Hearts – when exposed to such fitan (trials) – are of two types: [The first type]: a heart, which, when exposed to such trials, absorbs it like a sponge that soaks-up water, leaving in it a black stain. Such a heart continues to soak-up the various trials that are presented to it, until it becomes dark and corrupted – which is what is meant by “an over-turned vessel”, so when this occurs, two dangerous and deadly diseases take hold of it and plunge it into destruction

Firstly: confusing good with evil, so it neither recognises the good, nor rejects the evil. This disease may take hold of it to such an extent that it believes good to be evil; and evil to be good, Sunnah to be bid’ah (innovation); and innovations to be the Sunnah, and the truth to be falsehood; and falsehood the truth.

Secondly: judging by its whims and desires, over and against what Allâh’s Messenger sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam came with – being enslaved by its whims and desires and being led by them also.

[The second type]: a white heart in which the light of îmân is bright and its radiance is illuminating. So when trials are presented to such a heart, it rejects and turns away from them. This further increases its light and illumination and its strength.” [9]

[6] Four Principles of Worship

“(The Âyah): “You alone do we worship.” [Sûrah al-Fâtihah 1:5] is built upon four principles:- Ascertaining what Allâh and His Messenger love and are pleased with, from [i] the sayings of the heart and [ii] of the tongue; and [iii] the actions of the heart and [iv] of the limbs.

So al-’ubûdiyyah (servitude and slavery to Allâh) is a comprehensive term for all these for stages. The one who actualises them has indeed actualised: “You alone do we worship.”

The saying of the heart: It is i’tiqâd (belief) in what Allâh – the Most Perfect – informed about His Self; concerning His Names, His Attributes, His Actions, His Angels, and all that He sent upon the tongue of His Messenger sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam.

The saying of the tongue: It is to inform and convey (what Allâh has revealed), to call to it, defend it, to explain the false innovations which oppose it, to establish its remembrance and to convey what it orders.

The action of the heart: Such as love for Him, reliance upon Him, repenting to Him, having fear and hope in Him, making the Dîn purely and sincerely for Him, having patience in what He orders and prohibits, having patience with what He decrees and being pleased with it, having allegiance and enmity for His sake, humbling oneself in front of Him and having humility in front of Him, becoming tranquil with Him and other than this from the actions of the heart which are actually connected to the action of the limbs … and actions of the limbs without the action of the heart is of little benefit, if any benefit at all.

The action of the limbs: Such as Prayer and Jihâd, attending the Jumu’ah and being with the Jamâ’ah, aiding those who are unable and displaying goodness and kindness to the creation, and other than this.” [10]

References

1. He is Abû ’Abdullâh, Shamsud-Dîn Muhammad ibn Abû Bakr better known as Ibn al-Qayyim (or Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah). He was born in the year 691H in the city of Damascus. From an early age he set about acquiring knowledge and studied under many prominent teachers, the most notable of whom was Shaykhul-Islâm Ibn Taymiyyah. His students include the likes of Ibn Kathîr, adh-Dhahabî, Ibn Bajab, Ibn ’Abdul-Hâdî and others. He authored over ninety books and booklets – all of them being characterised by their touching address to the soul and the heart, as well as their accuracy, precision and depth of research. Ibn al-Qayyim died on the night of Thursday 13th Rajab at the time of the ’Ishâ adhân in the year 751H. Testaments about his comprehensive knowledge, firm adherence to the way of the Salaf; excellent manners, worship and zuhd have been given by Al-Hâfidh Ibn Hajar in ad-Dururul-Kâminah (3/400), Al-Hâfidh Ibn Rajab in Dhayl Tabaqâtul-Hanâbilah (2/447), ash-Shawkânî in al-Badrut-Tâli’ (2/143-146) and also Al-Hâfidh Ibn Kathîr who said about him in al-Bidâyah wan-Nihâyah (14/246): “He attained great proficiency in many branches of knowledge, particularly knowledge of Tafsîr, Hadîth and Usûl. When Shaykh Taqiyyud-Dîn Ibn Taymiyyah returned from Egypt in the year 712H, he stayed with the Shaykh until he died, learning a great deal of knowledge from him; along with the knowledge which he had already occupied himself in obtaining. So he became a singular Scholar in many branches of knowledge. He also continued to seek knowledge greatly day and night and was constant in humbly calling upon his Lord. He recited well and had fine manners. He had a great deal of love and did not harbour any envy for anyone, nor harm anyone, nor seek to find fault with anyone, nor bear any malice towards anyone. I was one of those who most often kept company with him and I was one of the most beloved of people to him. I do not know anyone in the world, in this time, who is a greater worshipper than him. His Salâh (Prayer) used to be very lengthy, with prolonged rukû’ (bowing) and sujûd (prostration). His companions would often reproach him for this, yet he never retorted back, nor did he abandon this practice – may Allâh shower His Mercy upon him.”
2. The following are some points of benefit – extracted from the various works of the Shaykh – pertaining to purification of the souls and curing the diseases of the hearts.
3. Miftâh Dârus-Sa’âdah (p.283).
4. Al-Wâbilus-Sayib minal-Kalimit-Tayyib (p.15).
5. Al-Wâbilus-Sayyib (p.80).
6. Zâdul-Ma’âd fi Hadî Khayril-’Ibâd (pp.9-11).
7. Related by Muslim (no.144), from Hudhayfah radiallâhu ’anhu.
8. Ighâthatul-Luhfân (p.40).
9. Ighâthatul-Luhfân (pp. 39-40).
10. Madârijus-Sâlikîn (1/100-101).

Dealing With The Books Of Knowledge : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Dealing With The Books Of Knowledge
Author: Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-Uthaymeen
Source: Fataawa ash-Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen, Kitaab al-Ilm, p. 87-91

How should he deal with the book?

Dealing with the book involves several things:

Knowing the subject of the book – so that he can benefit from it, because he needs to specialize. It may be a book of sihr (witchcraft) or trickery or falsehood. So he has to know the subject of the book so that he can benefit from it.
He has to know its terminology. Because knowing the terminology means that you will save a lot of time. This is what the scholars do in the introduction to their books, for example we know that when the author of Buloogh al Maraam says “agreed upon”, he means that the hadeeth was narrated by al-Bukhaari and Muslim, whereas the author of al-Muntaqaa uses this phrase in a different manner – when he says “agreed upon”, he means that the hadeeth was narrated by Imaam Ahmad, al-Bukhaari and Muslim.

Similarly in books of fiqh, the scholars use the words qawlayn, wajhayn, riwaayatayn and ihtimaalayn differently. Riwaayatayn (two reports) means two reports from the imaam; wajhayn (two views) means two views among the companions, i.e., the companions of the leaders of the madhhab; ihtimaalayn (two possibilities) is used in cases of uncertainty as to which of the two views is correct; and qawlayn (two opinions) is more general in meaning than that.

Similarly, we also need to know what an author means if he says ijmaa’ (consensus) or wifaaq (agreement). If he says ijmaa’, he means consensus among the ummah, and if he says wifaaq he means agreement with the three imams, as is the usage of the author of al-Furoo concerning Hanbali fiqh. Similarly the followers of each madhhab all have their own terminology, so it is essential to know the terminology of the author.

Knowing the style and phrases used in the book. Hence you will find that when you read a book for the first time, especially the academic books which are filled with knowledge, you will come across a phrase whose meaning you will have to ponder over, because you are not familiar with it. But if you read the book again you will become familiar with it.

There is also something which needs to be added to the book, which is writing comments in the margins and at the foot of the pages. This is something which the seeker of knowledge needs to make the most of. If he comes across something which needs further explanation or evidence, and he is afraid that he may forget it, then he should make a note either in the margin or at the foot of the page. Often a person misses out on such benefits because he does not make notes which take no more than a minute or two to do. Then when he comes back he may or may not remember it.

The seeker of knowledge has to pay attention to that, especially in books of fiqh. In some books you may come across a matter and its rulings which causes you to be confused and have doubts. If you refer to books which are more comprehensive than the book you are reading and you find something which explains the matter, then you should make a note of it so that you can refer to it again if you need to, without having to refer to the original book from which you have quoted it. This will save you time.

Reading books is of two types

Reading in depth to ponder and understand. This necessarily takes time.
A quick reading to get an idea of the subject of the book, the topics covered and the content of the book. This is done by thumbing through the book and skimming it. This does not involve the same level of thinking as the first method. The best way to read books is to ponder the meanings and seek help from scholars who have understanding. It comes as no surprise that the book which is most deserving of such a reading is the Book of Allaah. You must be patient and persist in reading, for man has not been given any greater gift than patience.

Collecting books

The seeker of knowledge should be keen to collect books, but he should prioritize. If a person does not have much money, then it is not good and is not wise to buy a lot of books and have to pay for them, because this is bad management. If you cannot buy books with your own money, then you can borrow them from any library.

Being keen to read important books

The seeker of knowledge must be keen to read the most important reference books, not modern works, because some of the modern writers do not have deep knowledge, so if you read what they have written you will find that it is superficial. They may quote things verbatim, or they may distort them to make them longer, but it is all waffle. So you have to read the most important reference works written by the salaf (pious predecessors), because they are better and more blessed than many of the books of the later generation.

Most of the books of the later writers are short on meanings but long-winded. You may read a whole page which could have been summarized in one or two lines. But you will find the books of the salaf to be easy, straight forward and well written, with not even one word that has no meaning.

Among the best books that the seeker of knowledge must be keen to read are the books of Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – and his student Ibn al-Qayyim – rahimahullaah. It is known that the books of Ibn al-Qayyim are easier, because the style of Ibn Taymiyyah is strongly-worded because of his abundant knowledge and alert mind, and Ibn al-Qayyim saw the knowledge of Ibn Taymiyyah as a well-built house, and his own role as that of organizing and adorning.

But Ibn al-Qayyim was free minded; if he thought that his shaykh’s view differed from what he thought was correct, he would speak up. When he thought that the pilgrim should go out of ihraam for Hajj then re-enter ihraam for ‘Umrah, because Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiAllaahu ‘anhu) thought that if the person who has not brought an animal for sacrifice enters ihraam for Hajj or Qiraan, he must go out of ihraam for Hajj then enter ihraam for ‘Umrah, whereas Ibn Taymiyyah thought that this applied only to the Sahaabah, he [Ibn al-Qayyim] said,

“I am more inclined towards the opinion of Ibn ‘Abbaas than to the opinion of my shaykh.”

He clearly stated that he was of a different view, so he was independent in his thinking. But it comes as no surprise that he followed his shaykh – rahimahullaah – in matters which he thought were true and correct. Undoubtedly if you think about most of the opinions of Ibn Taymiyyah you will find that they are correct. This is something which anyone who ponders his books will know.

Evaluating books

Books may be divided into three types:

Good books
Bad books
Books which are neither good nor bad.

Try to make sure that your bookshelf is free of books which have bad content. There are books which are described as literature, but they simply kill time without producing any benefit. And there are harmful books which contain specific ideas or promote incorrect ideology. These also should not be allowed on your bookshelf, whether that is because the methodology they use is wrong, or because of their wrong understanding of ‘aqeedah, and revolutionary books which promote a harmful ideology.

In general, no harmful book should be allowed on your bookshelf, because books nourish the soul just as food and drink nourish the body. If you nourish it with books such as those it will cause you a great deal of harm and you will follow a methodology which goes against the methodology of the seeker of sound knowledge.

Etiquettes of the Seekers of Knowledge: Giving Priority to the Qur‘an : Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-’Uthman

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014February 22, 2015

Al-Ibaanah Magazine , Issue No.3 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1416H / April 1996
Shaykh Abu Anas Hamad al-’Uthman [1].
From An-Nubadh fî Âdâbit-Talabil-’Ilm (pp.61-66)

Hudayfah – radiallâhu ’anhu – said:

The Messenger of Allâh sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam related two matters to us. I have seen one of them, and I am waiting for the other. He informed us: “Trustworthiness was sent down in the depths of the heart of the people, then they learnt it from the Qur‘ân, and then they learnt it from the Sunnah.” [2]

Al-Hâfidh Ibn Hajr (825H) – rahimahullâh – said:

“His saying: “then they learnt it from the Qur‘ân, then they learnt it from the Sunnah.” So it occurs in this narration with the repetition of “then”, which contains an indication that they would learn Qur‘ân before learning the details of the Sunnah. And what is meant by the details of the Sunnah is anything that they would learn from the Prophet sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam – whether it was obligatory or recommended.” [3]

Al-Maymûnî said:

I asked Abû ’Abdullâh (Imâm Ahmad) which is more beloved to you, that I should begin teaching my son the Qur‘ân or the Hadîth? He said: “No! The Qur‘ân.” I said: Shall I teach him all of it? He replied: “Unless that is difficult, in which case teach him some of it.” Then he said to me: “If he begins reciting first, then he will learn correct recitation and will persevere in it.” [4]

Ibn Muflih – rahimahullâh – said:

“Upon this are the followers of Imâm Ahmad right up until our time.” [5]

Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullâh – said:

“As for seeking to memorise the Qur‘ân, then this is to be given preference over many of the things that the people consider to be knowledge, but are – in reality – either totally useless, or having little benefit. It is also to be given precedence in learning especially by those who wish to acquire knowledge of the Dîn, its principles and its particulars. Since what is prescribed for such a person at this time is that he should begin by memorising the Qur‘ân, as it is the foundation of the branches of the knowledge of the Dîn. This is contrary to what is done by many of the people of Innovation from the non-Arabs and other than them, in that one of them will pre-occupy himself with superfluous parts of knowledge; such as kalâm (rhetorical speech) and argumentation; or very rare matters of differences; and blind-following; which there is no need for; or very strange and rare ahadîth, which are not established, nor of benefit; and many discussions which do not establish proofs. And he abandons memorising the Qur‘ân which is more important than all of this.” [6]

Muhammad ibn al-Fadl said:

“I heard my grandfather say: I asked my father for permission to study under Qutaybah so he said: “First learn the Qur‘ân and then I will give you permission.” So I memorised the Qur‘ân by heart. So he said to me: “Remain until you have led the people in prayer with it (i.e for Tarawîh Prayer).” So I did so, then after the ’Îd he gave me permission, so I left for Marw.” [7]

Ibn ’Abdul Barr (d.463H) – rahimahullâh – said:

“Seeking knowledge is of levels and is of different stages which should not be skipped over. Whoever skips over them altogether, then he has overstepped the path of the Salaf – may Allâh have mercy on all of them. Whoever deliberately takes a path other than this has seriously deviated. However, whoever oversteps due to an ijitihâd (a knowledge based judgment that a qualified Scholar makes, intending to reach the truth), then such a person has erred. So the first knowledge is memorisation of the Book of Allâh and seeking to understand it. And it is obligatory to seek everything which will aid in understanding it. However, I do not say that is obligatory to memorise all of the Qur‘ân, but I do say that it is obligatory and essential for anyone who wishes to become a scholar – not that it is something obligatory in itself.” [8]

Al-Khatîb al-Baghdâdî (d.463H) – rahimahullâh – said:

“It is fitting for a student that he begins with the memorisation of the Book of Allâh – the Mighty and Majestic. Since it is the greatest of the branches of knowledge and that which should be placed first and given precedence.” [9]

Al-Hâdfidh an-Nawawî (d.676H) – rahimahullâh – said:

“So the first thing he should begin with is memorisation of the mighty Qur‘ân, which is the most important branches of knowledge. And the Salaf did not use to teach Hadîth or Fiqh, except to one who memorised the Qur‘ân. So when he has memorised it, then let him beware of pre-occupying himself from it with Hadîth, Fiqh or other things, to the extent that it leads him to forget anything of the Qur‘ân, or makes that likely.” [10]

Seeking Knowledge in Due Amounts [11]

Allâh, the Most High – said:

“And this is a Qur‘ân which We have divided into parts, in order that you recite it to men at intervals. And we have sent it down in stages.” [12]

The Prophet sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam said to ’Abdullâh ibn ’Amr ibn al-’Âs radiallâhu ’anhumâ: “Read the Qur‘ân in every month.” I said: I find that I have more strength than that. “Recite it in every twenty nights.” I said: I find that I have more strength than that. “Then recite it in every seven days and do not increase upon that.” [13]

’Abdullâh ibn ’Amr ibn al-’Âs radiallâhu ’anhumâ also related from the Prophet sallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam that he said: “He does not understand the Qur‘ân who recites it in less than three days.” [14]

’Umar ibn ’Abdul-Wâhid – a companion of al-Awzâ’î – said:

We read al-Muwatta to Mâlik (d.179H) in forty days, so he said: “A book that took me forty years to compile, you take from me in forty days! How little you understand of it.” [15]

Al-Khatîb al-Baghdâdî said:

“It is fitting that he take care in acquiring knowledge and that he should not take too much in one go. Rather, he should take a little at a time, such that he can bear it, memorize it and be able to understand it. Because Allâh – the Most High – says: “And those who disbelieve say: Why is the Qur‘ân not sent down to him all at once? Thus (is it sent down in parts) that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.” [16]” [17]

Al-Khatîb – rahimahullâh – also said:

“And know that the heart is an organ from the organs. It is able to bear some things and unable to bear others – just like the rest of the body. Thus, some people are able to carry one-hundred pounds, whereas others are unable to carry even twenty. Some people are able to walk a number of mites in a day without tiring, whereas others are unable to even walk a mile in a day before they become tired… So let each person limit himself to what he is able without expending all his energies, because that will better aid him in learning with a good mind, from a arm and proficient teacher.” [18]

Supplicating for an Increase in Knowledge [19]

Allâh – the Most High – said:

“Say: My Lord! Increase me in knowledge.” [Sûrah Tâ Hâ 20:114]

Umm Salamah – radiallâhu ’anha – said:

Allâh’s Messenger sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam used to supplicate in the morning Prayer: “O Allâh! I ask you for beneficial knowledge, righteous action and pure sustenance.” [20]

Atlas bin Mâlik – radiallâhu ’anhu – said:

I heard Allâh’s Messenger sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam supplicated: “O Allâh! Benefit me with knowledge. Teach me that which will benefit me, and provide me with knowledge from which I can derive benefit.” [21]

Abû Bakr Muhammad ibn Ja’far said:

l heard Ibn Khuzaymah (d.311H) being asked: From where did you acquire this knowledge? So he said: “Allâhs Messenger sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam said: “Zam-zam water is that for which it is drunk.” [22] So when I drunk the Zam-zam water, I supplicated to Allâh for beneficial knowledge.” [23]

Shaykhul-lslâm Ibn Taymiyyah said: [24]

“The reality of this matter is that the servant differs in what he asks of knowledge and guidance, and of what he seeks to ask. So with remembrance of Allâh and turning towards Him, Allâh guides such a person – as He said – : “O My servants! All of you are misguided, except whomsoever I guide. So seek your guidance from Me.” [25] And as the Prophet sallallâhu ’alayhi wa sallam used to say: “O Allâh! Lord of Jibrîl, Mikaîl and Israfîl. The Originator of the heavens and the earths. Knower of the Unseen and the apparent. You judge between Your servants in that which he differs. So guide me in that which I differ from the truth – by Your permission. Indeed, You guide whomsoever You please, to a path that is straight.” [26]

1. From An-Nubadh fî Âdâbit-Talabil-’Ilm (pp.61-66), slightly abridged.
2. Related by al-Bukhârî (no.7086)
3. Fathul-Bârî (13/39)
4. Related by Ibn Muflih in Al-Âdâbush-Shar’iyyah.
5. Related by Ibn Abî Ya’lâ in Tabaqâtul-Hanâbilah (1/41).
6. Fatâwâ al-Kubra (2/54-55).
7. Related by adh-Dhahabî in Tadhkiratul-Huffâdh (2/722).
8. Jâmi’ Bayânul-’Ilm wa Fadlihi (pp. 526-528)
9. Al-Jâmi’ li-Akhlâqir-Râwî wa Âdâbis-Sâmi’ (1/106).
10. From the introduction to Al-Majmû’ Sharhul-Muhadhhab (1/38)
11. From An-Nubadh (pp.67-69)
12. Sûrah al-Isrâ 17:106.
13. Related by al-Bukhârî (no. 5052) and Muslim (no. 1159) and the wording is from Muslim).
14. Sahîh: related by Abû Dâwûd in his Sunan (no. 1394) and it was authenticated by al-Albânî in Sahîh Sunan Abî Dâwûd (no. 1294).
15. Related by Ibn ’Abdul-Barr in at-Tawhîd (1/77)
16. Sûrah al-Furqân 25:32.
17. Al-Faqîh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/101).
18. Al-Faqîh wal-Mutafaqqih (2/107).
19. An-Nubadh (pp. 97-99).
20. Hasan: related by Ahmad (6/305) and at-Tiyâlasî (p.224). It was authenticated by al-Hâfidh Ibn Hair in Natâ’ijul Afkâr (2/313).
21. Related by Hâkim (1/510) and he said: “It is authentic upon the condition of Muslim.” Adh-Dhahabî also agreed.
22. Hasan: It has been narrated by many different ways. Refer to al-Maqâsidul Hasanah (no. 928) of as-Sakhâwî for its authentication and sources.
23. Related by adh-Dhahabî in Tadhkiratul-Huffâdh (2/721).
24. Majmû’ul-Fatâwâ (4/39)
25. Related by Muslim (no.2577) form Abû Dharr.
26. Related by Muslim (no.770) from ’Âishah

From the Manners of Knowledge : Ahmad Fareed

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014March 17, 2015

Source:Al-Bahr-ur-Raa’iq Fee Az -Zuhdi war-Raqaa’iq- (pg. 39-43 of Daar-ul-Eemaan publishing) –
Translator:isma’eel alarcon – al-manhaj.com

The Etiquettes of a Student of Knowledge

* The student of knowledge must first know that Allaah has made it obligatory for him to worship Him, and worship cannot be attained except through knowledge. And he must know that it is not befitting for a Muslim to remain in ignorance. Thus, his search for knowledge is so that he may eradicate ignorance from himself and so that he may worship his Lord in the manner in which Allaah has commanded, not in the manner in which his desires deem appropriate. This should be his intention in his efforts for seeking knowledge, such that he has sincerity instilled in his heart, with regard to his exertion. He must not see any merit in his efforts, as belonging to himself, but rather he must see that all of the merit placed upon him, belongs to Allaah. This is because, with seeking knowledge, Allaah has granted him the means by which he may worship Him properly, by way of performing the obligations and abstaining from the prohibitions.

* He must avoid all affairs that cause him to draw his attention away from the objective (of knowledge), except for those things which he must involve himself with for needs sake. Allaah says: “Allaah has not placed two hearts in the body of a man.” [Surat-ul-Ahzaab: 3] And most importantly, whenever ones thoughts are divided, he is hindered from achieving the realization of his objectives. For this reason, it is said: “Knowledge will not give you part of itself, until you first give it all of yourself.”

* He must also begin by cleansing his soul from reprehensible manners and reprehensible characteristics. This is since knowledge is an act of worship of the heart as well as a hidden link and concealed means of drawing nearer to Allaah. Thus in the same way that prayer, which is a duty upon the visible body’s limbs, is not valid, except by performing visible purification over the filth and uncleanness, hidden acts of worship as well as rectifying the heart with knowledge is not valid, except after purifying it from filthy manners and unclean characteristics. For this reason it is said: “The heart is purified through knowledge, just as the land is purified though tilling.”

* He must not feel proud or arrogant about the knowledge he acquires. Rather, he must display humility in front of his teacher and grant him full control to direct and supervise him in all matters. He should submit himself willingly in the same way that a sick person, that is ignorant about medicine, submits himself to a concerned and proficient doctor. And if his teacher should be younger than him in age and possess little popularity and family status, then it is only by showing humility and patience with the degrading factors of knowledge, that one can truly attain the knowledge.

* Similarly, he must carefully select the person he is going to acquire knowledge from. He should not take knowledge, except from one whose qualifications are legitimately established, whose good religious qualities are evident, whose reputation is reliable and whose respectability is well known. Muhammad Ibn Sireen, Maalik Ibn Anas and many more of the Salaf have said: “Indeed, this knowledge is the Religion! So look carefully towards whom you take your Religion from.” [1]

* He must look towards his teacher with an eye of respect and reverence, for indeed this is the best way of deriving benefit from him. When some of our Salaf would go to study with their teacher, they would give something away in charity and say: “O Allaah, conceal my teacher’s defects from me and do not cause the blessing of his knowledge to be taken away from me.” Ar-Rabee’, the companion of Ash-Shaafi’ee (rahimahullaah) would say: “I never dared to drink water in the presence of Ash-Shaafi’ee, while he was looking at me, for fear of (upsetting) him.” And it is reported that some of the predecessors used to say: “From the rights that a teacher has over you is that: You should greet all the people generally with Salaam, but specify him apart from them with a particular greeting. You should sit in front facing him. You should not point toward his direction with your hand nor should you wink at him with your eye. You should not say to him: ‘Such and such person says the opposite of what you say!’ You must not backbite anyone in his presence. You should not consult your partner’s advice while in his gathering. You should not grab onto his garment if he should rise nor should you persistently bother him if he is fatigued. And you should not mind anyone that prolongs his company with him.”

* He should enter into the presence of his teacher with a clear and purified mind. Thus, his heart should be free of any matters that would prevent him from giving his full attention. He must not enter into his presence without first asking his permission, if his teacher is in a place which necessitates that his asking for permission be sought. He should greet those that attend his gathering with Salaam, when entering, and specify his teacher with a particularized greeting, apart from them. He should not step over the people with disregard, but rather he should sit where the rows of the gathering come to an end, until the teacher grants him permission to draw closer or he understands from the other students that are sitting that they prefer for him to advance. He should not cause anyone to get up from his place and if someone loves for him to sit in his place, then he should not accept, following the example of Ibn ‘Umar (raa). This is unless there is a benefit in his sitting up front, for the ones present, or the teacher orders them to do that. He should not sit in the middle of the learning circle, unless there is a necessity. He should not sit between two companions, unless he has their permission to do so. And if space is made for him in a gathering, he should sit and crouch himself in order to fit.

* He must be polite with his teacher’s companions and those that attend his learning circle, for indeed, in doing that, he will be behaving well with the teacher and preserving the well being of the gathering. He should not raise his voice to loud tones nor should he laugh or talk too much, without any need for it. He should not fiddle with his fingers nor should he turn and peer to his right or to his left, unless he has a need to do so. Rather, he must face his teacher and devote his complete and undivided attention to his words.

* He must safeguard and preserve his studies by being diligent and persisting in it during all times in which he has the ability to do so. He should not satisfy himself with a little when he has the ability to attain more. He should not over burden himself with things that he cannot handle, for fear that it will cause him to grow tired and postpone what he desires to attain (of knowledge). This matter varies according to each individual and his circumstances. He must exert himself severely in trying to make free time for himself, maintain vivacity and eagerness, develop a strong and healthy body, have observant and conscious mind and to possess few preoccupations, such as the obstacles that fall in one’s way when he becomes a leading figure or when he gets promoted to a high position. ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (raa) said: “Acquire knowledge before you become leaders. For indeed, when you become leaders, followed by the people, you will be prevented from acquiring knowledge, due to the elevation of your position and excessiveness of your preoccupations.” [Kitaab-ul-‘Ilm (The Book of Knowledge) of Abu Khaithama] This statement contains the meaning of Imaam Ash-Shaafi’ee’s words: “Acquire knowledge before you are given leadership, for when you become a leader, then there is no recourse for you, except knowledge.”

The Etiquettes of a Teacher

* The teacher must make his intention purely for the sake of Allaah when teaching. He should not use his knowledge to seek an honorable position in the society nor should he charge any fee in exchange for his knowledge. He should not prefer nearness to the rich and luxurious, whilst distancing himself away from the poor.

* He must characterize himself with the good manners mentioned in the texts of the Revelation, as well as the praiseworthy qualities and the pleasant traits that Allaah has guided towards. This includes abstaining from the worldly life, possessing little of its luxuries and not being tested by it and its inhabitants. Other characteristics include generosity, kindness, polite manners, cheerfulness in the face, forbearance and patience. He must be void of being able to grant little benefit to others. He must observe the qualities of piety, humility, tranquility, respect and humbleness. He should refrain from laughing and joking too much. He must observe the prescribed duties of the Religion, such as trimming the mustache, clipping the fingernails, combing the beard and ceasing to have a bad attitude. He must adorn his outer and inner characteristics with the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam). It has been reported on ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab (raa) that he said: “Whosoever displays good characteristics to us, we will have good thoughts about him and love him. And whosoever displays bad characteristics to us, we will have bad thoughts about him and hate him.”

* He must free himself from performing any matters that have been ruled detestable (makrooh) as well as from indulging excessively in matters that have been ruled allowable (mubaah), while in the presence of his students. He should always have his students see him obeying Allaah and remembering Him much (dhikr), and he must preserve that condition. He must be cautious of all the dangers that are to be heeded, such as jealousy, showing-off, being amazed with oneself, and having contempt for others.

* The teacher must be gentle with the one who takes knowledge from him. He must welcome him graciously and be kind to him, according to that person’s state of being. He must always offer him sincere advice, for indeed, the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “The Religion is sincerity (advising): to Allaah, His Book, His Messenger, the Muslim leaders and their common folk.” [2]

* He must be gentle and compassionate with the one that seek knowledge from him, and he must look after his needs, just as he looks after the needs of his own child or his own self. He must be humble in the presence of those that frequently go to him and learn from him.

* He must preserve his habit of teaching students, causing that to have a significant place in his necessities. And when sitting amongst his students, he must rid himself of any affairs that cause him to become preoccupied. He must give to each one of his students, according to what is befitting to them, individually. Thus he should not exceed with one that doesn’t show that he wants to go a step further nor should he undercut from one that does want to progress. He should compliment anyone that shows excellence in his studies, as long as he doesn’t fear that affliction will befall him, by his becoming amazed with himself or something other than that. And he must show strictness with whoever deserves it, so long as he doesn’t fear that it will chase him away. He should not be jealous of any of his students, if one of them begins to display proficiency in the subject matter being studied. Nor should he continuously mention the favors that Allaah has bestowed on him, in that student’s presence. For indeed, being jealous of others is forbidden, upon a strict forbiddance. So how can he be jealous, especially of the student, who holds the status of a child?

Footnotes:

[1] An authentic narration on Muhammad Ibn Sireen reported by Muslim in the introduction to his Saheeh

[2] Reported by Muslim At-Tirmidhee, An-Nasaa’ee and others. Ibn Al-Atheer (ra) said: “Naseeha (Sincerity/Advising) is a word that entails many meanings. It is the desiring of good for the one who is being advised. The meaning of sincerity to Allaah is possessing good beliefs in regards to His Oneness and sincerity of intention in His worship. Sincerity to the Book of Allaah means believing in it and acting upon what is contained within it. Sincerity to His Messenger means believing in his (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) prophethood and rendering obedience to what he has commanded and what he has forbidden. Sincerity to the Muslim leaders means obeying them in matters of truth and not setting out against them in rebellion, if they should be oppressive. And sincerity to Muslim common folk means advising and directing them towards their needs and benefits.

Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge : Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 15, 2014September 30, 2016

Al-Ibaanah Book Publishing
Al-Ibaanah.com

About the Book:

This book is a complete translation of the booklet “At-Ta’seel fee Talab-il-‘Ilm” (Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge). The source used for this translation was the Dar-ul-Imaam Ahmad 1st edition, 2005.

Originally, this treatise was a lecture the Shaikh once gave in a masjid. The talk was then transcribed and published as a book.

In this treatise, Shaikh Muhammad Baazmool discusses in detail nine fundamental principles with regard to seeking knowledge, which he puts together and backs up with proofs and evidences. Consequently, the treatise is divided into nine chapters and an introduction.

This topic is extremely important since every Muslim is obligated to seek knowledge at one point in his life or another be it to implement the Islamic laws that are binding on him or to learn the fundamentals of his faith. So he must know that seeking knowledge has manners, etiquettes and guidelines, some of which have been touched upon by the author in this treatise.

Excerpts from the Book:

“The supportive sciences, or what some scholars commonly call ‘The applied sciences’, such as the Arabic Language, the Science of Eloquence, the Science of Principles, Hadeeth Terminology, and the Sciences of the Qur’aan – a student of knowledge should acquire from these that which will enable him to actualize the primary objective, which is to properly worship Allaah – the reason for which we were created. And if this is not the case, then it falls under the realm of being from the extravagant forms of knowledge, and Allaah knows best. So it is not required from a student of knowledge studying Grammar that he becomes like Seebawaih, nor from one studying the Arabic Language that he becomes like Al-Khaleel and Al-Azharee, nor from one studying the Science of Eloquence that he becomes like Al-Jirjaanee!! Rather, it is sufficient for him to only learn from all of that what he needs to properly understand the Book and the Sunnah and to implement what Allaah has obligated upon him from worship.”

“The Devil enters into the hearts of some people desiring to turn them away from knowledge based on the argument that one should leave off seeking knowledge until he first purifies his intention. This is a plot, scheme and deception of the Devil. Rather, it is upon a Muslim to continue and persevere in his search for knowledge, and to constantly re-evaluate his intention, as Sufyaan Ath-Thawree said: ‘I did not try to rectify anything that was more difficult upon me than my intention.’ And this is Sufyaan we are talking about, so it applies even more so for those other than him!! Therefore, one should not make this into something that diverts him away from seeking knowledge.”

“Disregarding the ahaadeeth and narrations of the Salaf while relying on just the language and intellect to understand the Qur’aan and Hadeeth is a method that has been embarked upon in recent times by the Orientalists. So when they need to research a narration, they simply quote from the books of Al-Jaahidh or from the book al-Aghaanee or from al-‘Aqd-ul-Fareed. And if quoting becomes hard on them, they just say: ‘This conforms to the intellect!’ Contrary to this, a Muslim who follows what the Prophet and his Companions were upon confines his comprehension and understanding of the Glorious Qur’aan and Prophetic Sunnah to conform to the understanding of the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and doesn’t leave from their fold.”

Download this book (Right Click and Save) : Laying the Foundations for Seeking Knowledge [PDF]

The following short articles are extracted from this eBook:

1st Foundation:
The Difference between Obligatory Knowledge and Recommended Knowledge – Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool on

2nd Foundation:
The “Knowledge” that is Mentioned in The Ayaat And The Ahaadeeth is Knowledge of The Religion – Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool

3rd Foundation:
Sincerity in seeking knowledge is a condition that is continuous and not just preliminary – Shaykh Muhammad Baazmool

4th Foundation:
Knowledge means: The statements of Allaah & His Messenger & the statements of the Sahaabah (Companions), along with ijmaa and Qiyaas – Shaikh Muhammad Bazmool

5th Foundation:
The Scholars are the Inheritors of the Prophets – Shaykh Muhammad Bazmool

6th Foundation:
Obstacles in the Path of Seeking Knowledge – Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool

7th Foundation:
The Ways of Maintaining Knowledge – Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool

9th Foundation:
The Categorization of People with Regard to Knowledge – Shaikh Muhammad ‘Umar Bazmool

Table of Contents

Innovations of Hajj, Umrah and visiting Medina

Reading books is of two types

Collecting books

Being keen to read important books

Evaluating books